Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/76

Contributor - Agnes Van Ryn

Title - "Introspect": "What Significant Christian Experience I Have?"

Topic - Youth

I was born into a Christian home and so I was brought up a Christian. The thankfulness of being a Christian I owe to my parents, whom I love dearly. They were the ones who introduced Christianity to me, who to this day stress the importance of being a Christian and living a Godly life.

I must admit that I do not always live the way God wants me to as a Christian. Christianity has it's ups and downs, just like life. Many times I am saddened by my thoughts and actions. How God can love a sinner like me I'll never know. I guess that is why I love Him so much.

As a Christian I enjoy many things especially rallies from the Church. It seems that after a rally or youth gathering that I feel the most like shouting, "God I love You". The atmosphere at a rally is overwhelming and anyone who has ever been to one will know what I mean. Some, mind you, are not as much fun as others. Like I always think, "You only get out of a rally, what you are willing to contribute".

Another thing that I like about rallies is the feeling of togetherness.

Today the minister preached about loneliness and how two are better than one. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4 : 9, 10).

I have a special reason for knowing and believing that this is true. About a week ago my Grandmother, who is a widowed fell outside and broke her hip. She fell on the driveway and the passengers in a car that went by about half an hour later saw her lying there and helped her. She is recovering in the hospital now. If she had fallen behind the house the results could have been tragic. We are very grateful to the Lord for not letting that happen. Being alone can be a sad thing.

I think that is why rallies are so successful, As a group of Christians we are so strong that nothing can separate us, not even Satan.

As a Christian I also experience a great love for the gospel songs that we sing at Camp Shalom and rallies. The songs express so much about Christ and the lives we should live.

I like rallies, sponsored by the Reformed Churches, for many reasons but I think that the most important reason is the fellowship. I look forward from one rally to the next just to see old friends, to talk to them and to meet new friends. For most of them, even if you have nothing in common, just to know that you share Christ is enough.

I cannot say that I have real significant Christian experience, only that I am a true Christian. This does not mean that I am not a sinner. It means that I believe in the one and only God who sent his Son to die for us. Many times I can feel Christ's presence. on Sundays when others think the sermon is rather boring, I can always find something in it for me. I am in need of love and understanding. No one can fulfill this need the way Christ can and does.

I make many commitments to Christ at rallies and within my heart after sermons. I have never had a real drastic change in my life as a result of one commitment but perhaps these small commitments will someday add up to one important change in my life. It is very important for a Christian to recommit his life daily.

When life's troubles overwhelm me or when the world turns it's back on me I know where to turn to. When joy floods my soul I know who to praise. Being a Christian is the most wonderful experience I have ever known, an experience that ought to be shared.

I am deeply grateful for my Christian family, especially my parents, my good friends, and most of all for Jesus Christ.

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