April 28, 1999
Woman's witness saved life of neighbor
___The names of the people, church and location have been changed in the following story.
___LESLIE, Ala. (BP)--Susan Tanner thought she knew the importance of witnessing---until she had the opportunity to save someone's life, both spiritually and physically.
___As part of a visitation team at the 2,500-member Leslie (Ala.) Baptist Church, Tanner arrived at Maria Woods' home and began by asking her, "If you were to die tonight and God asked you why he should let you into heaven, what would you tell him?"
___Woods began to cry, and answered, "He wouldn't let me in."
___Tanner used Romans 3:23, and John 3:16 to share the plan of salvation with Woods.
___"She was crying and asking questions the whole time," Tanner said.
___Woods said that someone had told her that adultery was the unpardonable sin.
___"Oh, Maria," Tanner told her, "God sent us to tell you that he loves you and is ready and willing to forgive you and welcome you into his kingdom."
___Tanner and her partner then led Woods in a simple prayer of confession and faith.
___ "As we stood up, she grabbed me and hugged me and said, 'You saved my life.'"
___Tanner was so taken aback that she quickly said, "No, honey, Jesus did that." That's when Woods told Tanner, "Hold on, I want to show you something."
___She then went to her bedroom and returned with a loaded pistol in her hand.
___"When you drove up," Woods explained as she emptied out all the bullets, "I was sitting on the side of the bed with this gun to my head. So see, you did save my life."
___"I think we were all stunned," Tanner said. "No one can imagine the awe we felt about God's providential timing."
___Woods since has been baptized, joined the church and has begun a life of service to Jesus Christ.Frontpage / Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!