"Brethren, I Want To Know That God."

"We're talking about the saving grace and the miraculous hand of God into the life of anyone who will dare to trust Him... There's no rocket science to it, you know. Because that's where I was when I couldn't even read and write." -Minister Vivian Talbot

In this past weekend's sermons, Minister Vivian Talbot shared with us how he was miraculously delivered from being killed by a group of dozens of fellow inmates. Although he was not adept at reading or writing, he had cultivated a relationship with God that allowed him the privilege of praying. Brother Vivian conversed with God as his dear Friend, not worrying about finding "the right words" to pray to the Lord. In moments of crisis, our concern is not to sound good or look good. As our brother told us, "God is not impressed with our intellects. God is impressed with our hearts."

Brother Vivian had no ministerial education. All he had was a love relationship with God and a trust in Him, and that was sufficient for God to hear and answer the prayer of his heart. And, true to His nature, our great God answered above and beyond the original prayer. A fellow inmate, who Brother Vivian had in past time prayed for God to destroy, was instead brought to salvation because of the miraculous way in which God rescued Brother Vivian from the gang that conspired to kill him. What was supposed to be a day of death became the day that Jesus poured life into a prison community.

Do you know the God who saves lives?
Do you know the God who can turn enemies into friends?
Do you know the God who can pull joy out of devastating situations?
Do you know the God who redeems hopeless cases?

I know Him. I have a love relationship with Him. I trust Him. How about you?