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| Pastor's Testimony |
 The year was 1966, and my personal life was beginning to change quickly. Before this time, I was active in sports and just plain social happenings. During the summer, I was introduced to something that altered my whole lifestyle. An older friend of mine had gone to school in Oakland, CA. When he came home, he brought some "weed" back with him. That was my first experience around drugs.
Soon all my interests turned from sports to drugs. Like so many, one thing led to another. LSD was next. My group of friends and I leaped into this way of life. It wasn't only getting high that attracted us, but the thrill and excitement that it offered as well. I remember I vowed to never use needles, but again, my desire was overcome by drug's deception.
Less than a year into the drug life, I was using speed (methadrine) as much as I could. Speed seemed to invade our crowd quickly. Everybody was off and running! Finally, heroin took over. I went from one extreme to the other! Other bummers came along--like jail, and eventually prison in '69 on the N-number program.
My stay was short compared to others, but was long enough for me to realize that this wasn't for me. I was released on parole in February of '70, with good and sincere intentions that lasted just long enough to get home. Three months later, I was running on parole and deeply involved back into the drug lifestyle. I was again busted with two new felonies and a possible parole violation. But, now the good news...
While waiting for my court date on a Sunday morning, June 29, 1970, I made a decision that has forever changed my life. Someone shared the simple truth about Jesus Christ; it made such sense. That day, I invited Jesus into my life and made Him the Lord of everything. At that time, I had no idea where He would take me.
Now after thirty eight years, I'm living a "dream come true!" I have a lovely wife, son, daughter-in-love and grandson, and believe it or not, I'm a pastor of a wonderful church in Bakersfield, CA. Today, we have a Motorcycle Ministry in our church reaching out to anyone and everyone with God's great message of mercy. I know, without hesitation, that God will do for you what He has done, and is now, presently doing in my life. Just say, "Father God, help me to have a new life full of peace and happiness. I'm tired of being empty. Fill me with your Spirit now in Jesus' name."
The bible says, "whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)
If you need further help or prayer, please call "Champions in Christ" Motorcycle Ministry at (661)393-2000. Remember, God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.
Pastor Pat Harrelson
Harvest Christian Church
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