Testimony of Timothy Penner

My name is Timothy Penner. I was born and raised in a Christian home, that is, my parents were and still are followers of Jesus Christ. I grew up going to church with my family up until my junior high years. From junior high until university I made an effort here and there to attend church without my family. I continually asked God to give me guidance in my life. I grew up believing the Bible and believing in Jesus. The earliest date I can 'remember' becoming a Christian was on July 6, 1989 (I have that date written in my pocket New Testament). I realized I was a sinner, that is I broke God's Law, the Ten Commandments, and was destined for eternal punishment in hell. But God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect and blameless life, who died on the cross paying the penalty for my sins, and defeated death and conquered sin by rising from the dead three days later. I believe in my heart and confess that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. He has forgiven my sins because I accept his free gift and now my true home is in Heaven for eternity.

It was only until I reached my university years did I 'see' some solid answers to my prayers for guidance. I met a former elementary school classmate and wonderful sister in the Lord. She invited me to check out Campus Crusade for Christ on the University of Manitoba campus. I was warmly welcomed there amongst other believers. I soon began to help out on campus with various Campus Crusade activities. Our biggest focus was reaching out to others with the good news of Jesus Christ.

In January of 1999 I started attending church on a regular basis. I found good fellowship there with the College and Career age Bible study group. I was soon challenged with my faith through various encounters with strangers on the city transit bus. One guy was talking to me about Jesus on the bus and how he saved his life. He was sitting at the back and he was loud enough that the people at the front could hear him. Another person had just come from his church's family night event and asked me if I went to church (this was before I was regularly attending church), and I said I wasn't. He challenged and encouraged me to get back to church.

On April 2nd 1999 I took my first official stand publicly declaring I am a Christian by getting baptized in my church. I wanted to tell the world that I love Jesus and I will be with him one day in heaven. Ever since my life has been a challenge with many ups and downs. I have served at Camp Arnes, Boys Club, and Sunday School, teaching by word and deed, the love of God to children. I long to teach others of what Jesus has done for us. I desire to go overseas as a missionary sharing the gospel (good news) with people who don't get the chances to hear it the way we do in North America. I haven't gone yet because God is still preparing me. I am the 'WebGuy' for C.A.R.E. Ministries of Winnipeg's website.

I know now that it is only because of Jesus Christ that I am doing these things and that I have a desire at all to serve him. If there was no truth to what the Bible says, especially about Jesus Christ, I am convinced in my heart that there would be no point to this life. The big question is are you at a point in your life where you are seeking the truth but haven't found it yet? Well you've come to the right place. If you've ever told a lie, stolen the smallest of things, looked at anyone with lust, had anger in your heart towards another person (or broken any of the other Ten Commandments) you are in danger of eternal punishment in hell. The only way to heaven is to recognize that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. You have to choose to make him your Lord and Saviour. Jesus said 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.' If you would like to recieve Christ in your heart you need to repent, ask for forgiveness, and accept that he died for you and rose from the dead. Believe in Him and trust Him as your Lord and Saviour. If you have a Bible handy read Psalm 51 for an example of a repentant heart. You can also click on the free Bibles link.

'The ball is in your court.' If you decided to follow Jesus it's a good idea to tell someone (you can e-mail me if you like), to read and study your Bible daily, talk/pray to God daily, and attend a church that believes and follows the Bible, God's Word, as the ultimate and final authority.

Feel free to contact me if you have anything you want to ask, say, etc.