Helen’s Testimony
As shared at the Youth of Yesterday Luncheon- Tuesday June 20, 2023
Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
I am Helen, the third child in a family of five children. By the time I was born, I already had an older sister and brother. A year later, I had another brother. At this time, my family moved from Hamilton to St. Catharines. That is when things fell apart.
My father had a girlfriend, and had left home and was not supporting us for quite some time. My dear mother had a full time job and was working very hard to support us, however, as a result, the children were left at home alone, unsupervised and some were often seen wandering around the neighbourhood.
My father had plans to join the U.S. Army; however he would not be allowed to go if his family was not looked after, so he devised a plan. He decided to take our mother to court and prove her to be an unfit mother, as the children were left alone while she was at work.
Unfortunately, he succeeded with his plan, and Children’s Aid was called, and my mother lost custody of all her children. They took all of us away from my mother, and sent us to various places.
My older sister and brother and I were sent to an orphanage. My younger brother who was my father’s youngest child, and my baby brother, who was born of a different father, were both taken to foster parents right away.
It was a very terrifying time for all of us.
Some time later, I was moved from the orphanage to the home of my foster parents.
My older sister and brother were taken out of the orphanage to live with my father’s girlfriend in Canada, while he was in the American army.
After the war, my father came back to Canada, and things changed again. My father married his former girlfriend and moved to California, taking my older brother with them, while my older sister stayed with my Aunt in Canada.
Psalm 27:10-11 (ESV)
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me in. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
My foster parents were good, quiet, and reserved people.
My foster mother took me to Church on Sundays, to a small Mission, down the street from our house.
This was my first introduction to Jesus and the song, “Jesus Loves Me.”
One Sunday, I noticed a picture of Jesus on the wall of the Church I attended. Being curious about it, I asked my teacher if that was Jesus. She said, he was a likeness. Without totally understanding her, I felt a closeness, as if the picture was speaking to me. I felt happy and not so afraid; that there was someone who loved me.
Psalm 27:14 (ESV)
14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
I grew up as an only child and I was lonely. I missed my brothers and sister.
Then years later, coming home one night, I saw a bright moon in the sky. I made a wish that God would send me a good man to take care of me. Later, I met a lovely man and we got married, and had five beautiful children. A true gift from God.
The children grew up going to Sunday School and knowing God. Each one is married now and they have fruitful lives.
My husband, Alfred (Bud) and I celebrated our 50th Anniversary in October 2004. A few months later, in December 2004, my husband passed away from cancer.
John 14:1(ESV)
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me (Jesus).
One of my daughters became born again in Edmonton. While visiting me, she attended Niagara Worship Centre in Niagara Falls and liked it. She wanted me to go, but I was hesitant, because I didn’t know anyone. She went back home to Edmonton and phoned Niagara Worship Centre and asked if someone could visit me and tell me about the Church. That is when I met Wilma Dell.
Pastor Christer was the Senior Pastor at the time, and Pastor Tim was the Assistant Pastor.
I really liked Wilma and she brought me to Church. Not long after, I felt a Presence in the sanctuary. Someone or something was present in the room, and I knew then, I was home.
I received the Lord as my personal Saviour, and welcomed His Presence in my life. I felt joy in my heart, when the Holy Spirit came in.
In November 14, 2014, I was water Baptized in a child’s swimming pool, inside the Church. One of my grand-daughters was with me and held my hand.
Psalm 111: 1, 2 and 10(ESV)
1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
Since coming to the Lord, I have grown closer to God, and developed my faith by reading and studying the Bible regularly, praying and attending small group Bible Studies. I enjoy attending Church and connecting with members of the Body of Christ.
I thank God for my biological family, my foster parents and their family, and my Church family. I am thankful to God for how He has kept me and cared for me throughout all the challenging years of my life, to lead me to this point of Victory, Joy and Peace, in knowing Him as my true Heavenly Father who loves me unconditionally.
My greatest and sincerest desire and prayer is that all the members of my family will come to know the Lord Jesus like I do. I pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal Jesus to my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, so that they will come to a deep understanding of the love that God has for them, and that they in turn will receive Jesus Christ as their Personal Lord and Saviour and find true Joy and Peace that only God can give. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and He is the only way to God, our Father.
THIS IS MY LEGACY. I GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY AND HONOUR. AMEN!