Melvin Trotter

I should have been a Christian all my life. I attended Sunday school and church with my mother all my young life. I can’t remember the first time she took me to church. She also taught me the Word of God. As I grew older, I thought the old-time religion was all right for that old mother. I wouldn’t put a straw in her way, but I wanted to go the ways of the world.

The young people seemed to be having a wonderful time out in the world of pleasure, and I thought I was missing something. For years I tried with all my heart to find satisfaction out in the things of the world. I found I had not missed anything. Now I had heartache, trouble, and disappointment in my life.

I am thankful my mother’s prayers followed me. Many times God would talk to me until the wee hours of the morning about my never-dying soul. One Sunday morning I came to myself, like the Prodigal Son did in the hog pen of the world. There was no one around to pray for me, but out in an old ebony grove in southern Texas, a thousand miles from home, I offered God my life. I got on my knees that morning and told God if He would just give me peace, and power to live this old-time religion, I would serve Him the rest of my life. I knew it would take more than willpower because I had tried that.

The peace of Heaven dropped down into my heart. I arose from my knees and was singing that old song, “Lord, I’ll go where You want me to go, I’ll do what You want me to do.” That has stood the test for over thirty years.

I am not here to tell of the great things I have done for the Lord, but I could stand here all day and tell you of the great things He has done for me. I thank God for the Gospel. It is real, tangible, and something you can prove every day.