William Beaton

I am glad that God ever dealt with me with real conviction that brought me to a place where I realized I needed Jesus. In 1939 God brought me about 3,000 miles to the campground in Portland, Oregon, to be with the Apostolic Faith people. It was God’s hand that led me to that place, and I am thankful, because I needed salvation.  I was one of the worst sinners, but God can get hold of someone like that.

I was sitting in the back of the tabernacle, and the Spirit of God dealt with me. He broke down this stubborn will and heart of mine. Tears rolled down my face from conviction before I ever got to the altar. God forgave my sins and made a wonderful change in my heart. He freed me—took away the habits and appetites of sin that were in my life. Many a time I said I was going to quit the booze and live better,  but I couldn’t do it. When I got saved, I found out who had been my master. It was the enemy of my soul. He did not want me to live right. But God took the booze and tobacco out of me. I wouldn’t want to go back into that old life of sin that God took me from, not for all this world could offer.

It wasn’t long after I got saved that others, lots of others, knew about it because I had loads of restitutions to make. I went back and made every one of them; I made my past right. God went before me. Some forgave me, others I had to pay back every cent I owed. I was willing to do it, because I could pillow my head at night like a child and go to sleep with peace in my heart. Before God found me I had no peace with God or man.

Since then I’ve had real victory. God has saved me, sanctified me, and baptized me with the Holy Ghost and fire. I have been enjoying the old-time religion, and I want to be ready for Jesus’ return.