Fred Johnson

I thank God that somebody ever whispered the name of Jesus to my poor, lost soul. I started out at a very early age without the care of a father or mother. I was placed in a home, and then driven out on account of sin.

Before I reached the age of twenty-one, I found out the way of the transgressor is a hard way. I know what it is to have the habit of drink. I became a helpless, hopeless slave to it. I was put behind prison bars for lying around on the sidewalks like a hog in my awful drunken condition. I was a shame and a disgrace to anyone who saw me. For many years, I lived this way in sin.

God was faithful to my soul to bring this wonderful Gospel my way. I heard the Story of Jesus in an Apostolic Faith Mission back east. I sat in the back of the hall as men and women stood to tell of how Jesus had saved them. Then they talked to me and said if I would get honest with God and pray, He would deliver me from sin. I wanted what they talked about, but it seemed impossible. I was a slave to the devil; I was bound by every terrible habit that a man could have attached to his life. I had so many sinful habits, I wondered if God would forgive me.

One night, when I was at the darkest hour of my life, I made my way to the altar. I got honest with God and called on Him for mercy. I had nothing to recommend me—only a life of sin—but God met me and saved my soul. I well remember the change that was made in my life. He took out every one of those old habits and the desire for sin.  

I was not only a sinner, but I was diseased in my body. The doctor had tried all of his skill and medicine, but had failed to cure me. When I knelt and called on God for mercy, He saved my soul and also healed my body. I haven’t needed a physician since.

I praise God for this wonderful Gospel! I thank Him for something real, for a life that has been changed. For twenty-six years, I have been on the job without one oath passing these lips! Also, I have not had a drop of liquor, used tobacco, or been in any questionable places. This is a marvelous feat for a man like me. I was weak and could not have quit any of these things in my own strength; God did this for me. He helps me live for Him every day. I praise Him, and want to press on to be ready when Jesus comes.