Answering the Call of God

Kim Worthington

In my life, the threads of faith and divine calling are woven deeply, beginning with my water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the age of seven. These two weeks were transformative, yet at that time, I was enveloped in a perplexity common to the young mind trying to fathom spiritual awakenings.

My great-grandmother, Elizabeth Abraham Lincoln Hambrick-Hines, born in 1876, was a beacon of faith in our family. Known affectionately as Nana, she was not just the matriarch but also my first guide into Christianity. From her, I received my first Bible, a gift that became my compass in navigating the scriptures. Nana, her sons—my grandfather and uncle—and my grandmother, founded Bethesda Baptist Church, a cornerstone of our spiritual upbringing where lessons of faith came with each Sunday service.

Growing up, this church was more than a place of worship; it was a second home where my mother, cousins, younger brother, and I spent countless hours. However, like any institution, the church faced its trials, from financial misappropriations to a spiritual drift towards what could be described as 'Babylonian' or carnal behaviors. Witnessing these divisions taught me early on the importance of keeping Jesus at the core of worship and life. My salvation, amid these challenges, was not just a rescue from sin but from the very presence of evil that sought to seep into our sanctuary.

This experience underscored a profound truth for me: my family, though not perfect, harbored a deep, genuine love for God, always returning to Jesus as their first love. This foundation encouraged me to pursue an intimate knowledge of Jesus, a quest that defines my existence. At seven, the full depth of this commitment was beyond my grasp, yet as I matured, my love for Jesus deepened, and my ability to share His gospel grew, driven by a desire to help others cross the threshold into salvation.

The teachings of Jesus to Nicodemus about being born again have always resonated with me. This concept of spiritual rebirth, of accepting Jesus as the Messiah, has been liberating. It's an understanding that juxtaposes human nature with divine nature, offering a pathway to freedom through faith in Christ.

My testimony isn't just a recount of events but a declaration of ongoing transformation and dedication. The freedom found in salvation through Jesus Christ allows me to explore the depths of spiritual gifts and divine intimacy. It's a journey of learning, loving, and living out the virtues taught through the scriptures.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the enduring legacy of faith passed down through generations. My home and heart remain open, welcoming Jesus not just as a figure of reverence but as a living presence in my life. This testimony is not merely my story but a testament to the enduring power of faith, the strength of family legacy in spiritual guidance, and the unending quest to know and proclaim the love of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to seek their relationship with Jesus, understanding that salvation is not the end but the beginning of a divine adventure in faith.