Here is a restoration letter read on August 5, 2012
Good Morning, my name is John Gath, I was baptized into Christ on February 5, 1986 after studying the Bible and getting to know Jesus through some very special people. I was “chosen” the Bible tells me in Matthew 22:14. Jesus says, “For many are invited but few are chosen.” I knew in my heart that Jesus loved me and had chosen me. Over time, I let my guard down.
Keeping the faith in times of trial, staying strong in the face of persecution and opposition, being humble and willing to confess sin was a daily challenge. I let my guard down and stopped being consistent. I stopped reading and praying and fell prey to Satan and the world began to swallow me up.
I started wishing there was an easier way, a more comfortable way; a way to balance good and evil – being friends with the world and yet feeling right with God. I wanted to be cool and fun to be around with my kids, my co-workers and my family. I wanted all the toys everyone else had. I wanted to play golf and the best part – hit the 19th hole with no guilt. The bars, the flirting, the temporary feelings of euphoria all came at a very high price.
I spent 18 years watching Satan wreak havoc all around me. He draws no lines – he hates all men, women and children and he’ll use them as tools to carry out his trickery against us all.
BUT thanks be to God who has never left me – thank you for second, third and fourth chances! I love God and I love and appreciate Jesus. I love what is good and right and just. I know that without God and the way he works through his church I am vulnerable and defenseless against Satan – I hate Satan. I know that it is a DAILY battle – we must stay in the fight, we must put on the full armor of God >>>. We must stay in the Word and pray at all times for ourselves and others. It’s the ONLY way!
And so today I would like to recommit myself to each of you and to the fellowship. I want to stand with you as a fellow soldier in the army of God!
I would like to thank my very special wife, Lori – who never gave up on me and kept the faith. She is the “rock” as she is affectionately called in our family. Also, for those who prayed for me – my great encouragers, Helen Devlin and Jan Blough. Thank you to Wyndham and Milton for sharing the Word and their lives with me and helping me along this journey back to God. Thank you to everyone for making me feel welcomed back.
I LOVE YOU ALL!
John and Lori Gath
E D I T O R ‘ S N O T E
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