Whose I Am and Who I Serve: My Journey from "Deliverance" to "Destiny"

By Jean Tindall Killough

Living In and Passing on the Light The book "Whose I Am and Who I Serve" takes the reader on a journey of one person's life from deliverance to destiny. The author realized that when she fully submitted her free will to Jesus as her Lord and Savior, He not only set her free from the past, but was training her up to share the light of hope with others who were downcast. When looking back upon her life, she saw how all the pieces fit together like a wonderful puzzle. God was surely preparing everything for the time she would answer His call with a profound, "Use Me." With this, there is also opportunity to share her faith with the next generation, that they might follow Christ at a much younger age. The picture on the book cover illustrates passing on the light. The author's hand is much older, holding a shorter candle; this depicts that the days left are fewer but still valuable. Her granddaughter's hand is much younger, holding a longer newer candle which depicts the many days ahead to share her faith. Therefore, our true legacy in life will never be in the value of possessions passed on, but rather the love, peace and joy of knowing Jesus. "You are the light of the world. ... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781645693017

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Whose I Am and Who I Serve

My Journey from Deliverance to Destiny

Jean Tindall Killough

Copyright © 2019 by Jean Tindall Killough

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Bible quotations are printed in italics with reference to book and verse. Permission to reproduce these verses is based on compliance of the restrictions and credit line as quoted below:

The NIV text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio), up to and inclusive of one thousand (1,000) verses without express written permission of the publisher, providing the verses quoted do not account to a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses quoted account for 50 percent or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society, Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

This Book is Dedicated to:

the restorer of my soul

as He grants purpose to my life.

My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ keeps me humble as He restores every aspect of my life, and allows me the incredible privilege of serving Him until His return.

all who led me to respond to Jesus’ calling.

My Children, Grandchildren, Goddaughters, Friends, and Family who have encouraged me as I have answered each one of the Lord’s callings. Often those we love the most sacrifice our time together as we are called to serve others. I am forever grateful for their understanding and support.

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ who have served alongside me in so many ministries over the years. None of us had any idea that walking door to door inviting people to church, working in the children’s ministry, greeting at the doors of the church, or starting home Bible studies would lead to this much larger ministry opportunity today. However, I believe God was preparing me through each of these for the wonderful blessing of serving at the CPC (Crisis Pregnancy Center).

My Mentors, Pastors Gene and Edell Gloor, revealed their pure JOY of serving Jesus and showed me the way. Their humble spirit and constant determination to give God all the glory for the manifestation of their Holy Spirit gifting, established a deep conviction in my spirit to follow their model.

My Counselors, Pastors Sonny and Gilly Foraker, walked before me in boldness and tenacity for Life. From the very first day I went to visit at their church, they received me with an open door and a warm welcome. They truly understand what it means to dress the children of God in His armor, and then send them out to do battle against abortion with mercy and compassion.

My Crisis Pregnancy Center Family who have served the Lord alongside me in this cause for life. It is overwhelming how each person has answered God’s call, and brought their unique talents and gifts to honor Him. In this place, there is absolute unity of the body with no part being greater than any other. It is amazing the number of lives saved, and changed when Jesus reveals Himself through ordinary people.

Acknowledgments

The original writing of Who I Was and Whose I Am also included all the contents of Whose I Am and Who I Serve. It took the Lord another year after completion, and wise counsel to reveal the need to divide it into two books. It also would have never been completed without the encouragement of many.

Out of the separation came the sub-titles, My Journey from Downcast to Deliverance focusing on my transformation, and My Journey from Deliverance to Destiny revealing my calling. As of this writing, I still do not know how the Lord will use these books, but if they help one find Him and His purpose for their life, it will be well worth the time spent.

James Bouvier is a great supporter of ministries, an author, and artist. He surely is a person who spends his time wisely divided between serving Jesus, family, and friends. I was blessed when he agreed to read my book, but overwhelmed when I heard he read it on a cruise vacation. In wise counsel, he advised me to consider my audience. This immediately gave me insight into the need for two books instead of one.

My CPC Family were extremely supportive when I asked for a one month sabbatical to split these books. There is one chapter in the second book where I recall by their first name when and how each person came to serve. The Word is so profound when it declares the vital importance of every unique individual in the body of Christ. I am so incredibly thankful to be one small member of this wonderful ministry.

Introduction

When God placed it on my heart to write the story of my life, I assumed He meant from the beginning until the current day. Over the years, I had been asked to give overviews or portions of my testimony several times. It always seemed beneficial in helping others find hope. With my limited vision I said, Okay God I will write it if you will use it to help at least one. Once the book was complete, there were several close friends who graciously read it and offered words of encouragement. However, James who worked with publishers after finishing his first book, offered me a real challenge. He said that most advised him to think about his audience. The focus should be on who will read it. Instantly, I realized my book had two very distinct audiences. Therefore, I prayed and asked the Lord to help me split it into two books.

The first book, Who I Was and Whose I Am is for those who are searching for Jesus’ salvation or have a need to rededicate their life to Him. It is all about salvation, transformation, and learning to trust the Lord with all of our life. It includes:

Crying Out to the Lord for He is Here to Tell

Falling in Love with His Word

Being Reborn in the Image of God, Fruit of the Spirit

Living as God’s Temple

Trusting the Lord to Redeem

Trusting the Lord for Physical Healing

Trusting the Lord for Protection

Trusting the Lord for Provision

Praying to Receive Jesus

The second book, Whose I Am and Who I Serve is for all who have been restored and transformed being led to our calling. It is all about recognizing how God has prepared us for His purpose in bringing others to Christ. Many come by a straight path, but I have to tell you mine was very crooked along the way. However when I look back upon my life I can see how all the pieces fit together like a wonderful puzzle for this day.

I assure the hopeless there is a bright future for all who give their life to Jesus

I appreciate Christ’s incredible forgiveness, and pledge to judge no one

I am blessed to have the Word lead me, and Bible studies to pass on to others

I rely on the Fruit of the Spirit to let God’s image be seen on earth

I depend on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to lead others to Christ

I understand the tremendous benefit of mentors in business and ministry

I am fortunate to be trained to work with both staff and volunteers

I can use all the faith and knowledge obtained through the years, to serve

I consider my greatest blessing is the privilege of being called by my Lord

The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation. (Luke 3:5-6)

Would You?

Gather up treasures in the storehouses of My Kingdom;

Live your lives for the day I come to take you home?

Look around the world, and see those in distress;

Gaze into their eyes, and see their emptiness?

Ache knowing, they are but a hollow shell;

Grieve, sensing they need my Spirit to indwell?

Attend a prisoner, held captive by their flesh;

Ask a stranger in, that their soul I can refresh?

Share my longing for each person to draw near;

Nourish with My Word, the gospel, they might adhere?

Tell them of a robe dipped in blood to cover all their sin;

Offer them a drink of living water, and life without end?

Bind their wounds by the power I have given you;

Give Me the glory, that my Son they may pursue?

Would you sacrifice your life for Me, and my great love?

Will you be a willing vessel for My call from above?

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

CHAPTER 1

Sharing Love for His Word

Looking back, it is amazing

to see how God’s plans unfolded.

In my first book Who I Was and Whose I Am God allowed me to tell the story of His watchful eye over my life during salvation and the beginning of transformation. There were many peaks and valleys through which I had to travel before I could truly trust Him enough to answer His call and step into my destiny. Along the way, several of God’s children participated in preparing me to say Yes. To each of these servant hearted individuals, I am eternally grateful.

At the age of five, a sweet Sunday school lady led me to ask Jesus into my heart.

Growing up a full gospel church provided a safe haven for me and taught God’s tenets.

A Lutheran church showed me how to revere The Lord in worship.

A coworker taught me the Word and what it means for Jesus to be Lord.

A neighbor led me to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and taught me how to study the Word.

A new church taught me about restoration, fellowship, and opportunities to serve.

As you will read in this book, it took all of these experiences to help me discover my calling.

Many people I have known grew up in loving Christian families, and began their personal walk with the Lord at a very early age. Once they prayed to accept Jesus, they remained on the steadfast course of learning the Word and serving Him. My life, however, was never one of these straight, and direct paths. As I said before, I was the stray sheep carried on Jesus’ shoulders. I became the prodigal daughter welcomed into the loving arms of my Heavenly Father.

A Repentant Heart

Though you have disobeyed my calling,

I have seen you on your knees falling.

I have seen the tears of a repentant heart,

In you Myself I will further impart.

Because Jesus was tempted to sin,

He intercedes for the forgiveness of men.

I will restore you with gentle streams;

My love will pour through your veins.

Darkness and dirt will be washed away;

For in your heart I desire to stay.

Because you have sinned and fallen short,

You will forgive others and pass on My heart.

From 1985 to 1994, the Lord began to reveal His calling.

The Word is so profound. We are told in Revelation 12:11 that the battle with Satan was won by Jesus Christ’s sacrificial shedding of blood on the cross. Our testimony begins with accepting Jesus as Savior and sharing a grateful heart for the forgiveness of our sins. Therefore, Romans 12:1 tells us to offer our life sacrificially for the cause of sharing the good news of the gospel with the lost. We are told to never treasure anything on earth, including our own lives, more than the joy of worshipping our Holy, Almighty God in obedience to His calling. Once we release our life to Him, it releases us from all earth-bound fears, including death

Desire to Tell

When I could not see in the darkest hour,

Lord, You came in Your glorious power.

When I was feeling at my most unworthy low,

You held out Your hands, Your way to show.

Your words penetrated my very soul,

You gave me lead to shed the sins of ole.

Your words guiding me to You at last,

Giving me confidence, You’ve forgiven the past.

Eternity is the destiny of all.

Those in Your kingdom have answered Your call.

Eternity to outer darkness others will go,

Those choosing self falling to a deeper low.

God I still stumble as You know,

But I seek Your direction not Your foe.

Lord, in Your Word I will continue to dwell.

The story of Your Son is my greatest desire to tell.

While being fed through the BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) classes, God placed me on the board as Evangelism Chairman of the small two-hundred person congregation we were attending. Like both the young man who had come to teach the Bible study at my previous job and the woman at the well, I was on fire to tell others of the Lord’s wonderful transforming grace. My committee had a vision and contacted all the other churches in the area with an idea. There were several who joined us in developing a small brochure based on John 3:16; it included a directory of local churches and an invitation to one of their choosing. We met once a week on the parking lot of a local church, joined in praise and worship accompanied by the guitar music of two teenagers. Afterwards, members of the committee groups were sent forth in twos, going door to door to let people know we cared.