A New Life – Testimony from Shelly Bell

Twenty years ago my life changed forever. Before that it was all me, myself and I. I was dissatisfied with my job, lived for social events that involved alcohol, loved sitting in the bars and drank my gin and tonics every night at home by myself. I was lonely. My cat of 13 years was very ill with kidney failure and my aunt kept pestering me to go to church with her. All she talked about was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Then the walls came crashing down on the morning of September 11th, 2001. Many will agree with me that it was a long, scary day. While I was driving home from work I thought “I’m not right with God.” That haunted me. So, that Sunday I went to church with my aunt.

That was the beginning of my new life. Even though I grew up in a church, I was now hearing for the first time about Jesus and His free gift of salvation. What He suffered on that cross, for me! I also learned that a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven. I believed and put my trust in Jesus. I asked Jesus to forgive me for ALL the wrong I had done, asked Him into my heart and my life and received Him as my Savior. Then the Holy Spirit moved right on in and my new life began. I quit drinking right away. That was easy. Quitting smoking was NOT. It took me about 4 years of ever increasing guilt when I finally said “Enough is Enough!” I smoked my last smoke and then my Jesus took over. What I thought was going to be one of the most difficult things ever, turned out to be one of the easiest. The guilt was gone. I now felt free to really witness for Jesus.

Over the years, the Lord has used me in ways I never would have imagined. I have never been happier, would never go back and am never lonely! I can’t wait to see what Jesus has planned for me in the days or years ahead. And I know that when it’s time for me to leave this earth, I will be with my Savior forever and ever and ever! I’m not perfect but my Father is, so I strive daily to praise, honor, shine and serve my Lord Jesus who is my God, my King, my Everything!

In spite of all the trials and challenges my family and I have endured in the last 3 years, also the pandemic, the condition of our nation and our world, my heart has never been more full of hope, peace and joy than right now. And that only comes through Jesus! Praise His Name Forever!

September 11th, 2021
Shelly Bell