Reaching The Heart Ministries
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Testimonies are from real persons
and real events that happen in their lives. All names have
been changed to protect privacy.
“Not Rejected by Jesus”
My wife and I moved to a new town over
six years ago during the worst crisis we had ever faced in
our, then, 33 years of marriage. I had been in the pastoral
ministry for more than 27 years serving three different
churches. At that time I had been in my last pastorate for
going on 18 years. By most standards I appeared to be a
successful pastor. I had also served my denomination in many
national offices, and, at that time, was the President of
our national conference. I really thought I was following
the Lord. I thought I was close to Him.
Then, at what should have been a real
high point in my career, I made some very bad choices. I did
something for which I am profoundly ashamed and desperately
sorry. I allowed a friendship with another woman in the
church to develop to an inappropriate level. It cost me my
ministry, my position in the national conference, my
ministerial standing, and could have cost me my marriage and
family. In what I did, I turned my back on my wife, my Lord,
and my calling. I’ll never forget the feelings of
worthlessness. I was utterly rejected by the church and the
conference I had served for so long.
Strangely enough my wife was also
rejected because she chose to stand by me. That was a
horrible time. But, in another way, it was a wonderful time.
In our brokenness and rejection we had nowhere to turn but
to the Lord.
When we moved we began attending a
local church. Week after week we came and week after week we
sobbed (especially me) through the message and the worship
time. The love and grace of our Lord was so powerfully
ministered to us during that time. I had been rejected by
many former friends, but I discovered that I was not
rejected by Jesus. I had a lot to learn.
For one thing, I had to learn that He
loved me just because He loved me, not because of what I
could do for Him. I had always been the good boy. Even
though I theologically knew better, subconsciously I somehow
thought that being a good boy made Him more likely to love
me. As I saw myself for the sinner I was, I finally saw Him
for the awesome God He truly is. I found forgiveness, and I
found peace; but, could I ever be used by Him again? I thank
God for the people who said “God isn’t finished with you
yet.” I needed to hear that; I wanted to hear that; but I
don’t think I believed it. Could I ever do anything that
would really make any difference?
God directed me life to become a
teacher. Now my congregation is to be a Godly male role
model; something some of them don’t have outside of school.
I get to show them God’s love. The Lord called me to touch
lives in His name, and that’s exactly what He’s allowing me
to do. And I get to do ministry stuff as well! Once a month
I get to preach at a retirement center. I am a leader in our
church, by being a part of developing International Training
Recourses to provide Bible education for pastors abroad.
I have an awesome relationship with my
wife, and together we are marriage mentors. I will always be
very sorry for what I did, but the Lord says it’s buried in
the deepest sea, removed as far as the East is from the
West, and that’s good enough for me. I don’t know what the
future will bring, for me, for you, for any of us. But I can
tell you this, whenever you’ve been, whatever you’ve done,
if you are willing to let Him have His way, God isn’t
finished with you yet! Note from Ellen: Again I was reminded Reaching The Heart Ministries is here to assist people who hurt. In our office both my husband and I are a part of the greatest miracle, we are privileged to witness new birth in Jesus Christ. The second greatest privilege is, when we watch a person come to freedom. We pledge our life to the broken hearted and we will care for them as long as is necessary. Write us on our secure e-mail contact page if you are struggling with issues. |
We are Here to Serve YOU! ![]() Mike & Ellen Stotts Our desire is that Biblical counseling be available, without cost to anyone who desires to come to freedom in Christ |
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