I was raised in a Christian home and attended church regularly - then at age thirteen I rebelled and left home.

I have since returned and made amends to my family, but at that time the values I had been raised with changed.

I started drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes (I worked my way up to 4 packs a day), and I began working as many hours as possible in order to obtain material wealth.

At 39 years of age,  I was working seven days a week, eighteen hours a day far away from home.

One morning I left for work with a terrific headache. It became so severe I thought I was dying, but then it seemed to ease off.

A co-worker looked in on me, asked me what was wrong - then immediately informed me I was going to the hospital.

I remember getting into the ambulance before slipping into a coma - then waking up... three weeks later.

While I was in the coma, I found myself moving in a tunnel of light toward the brightest light I've ever seen.

As I was moving toward the light, I felt Jesus returning me to my physical body. I knew he was giving me another opportunity to know and serve him.

When I came out of the coma I couldn't speak, but I was praising God within my spirit, because I knew he had touched me.

I was blessed that my wife and sons traveled many miles to be by my side praying for me continuously.

Marvin Stone, my cousin-in-law, came to visit and prayed for me to remain steadfast in my relationship to the Lord. Many others prayed for me as well - friends like Danny Powell and and my old supervisor Pete Henry and his wife.

During this difficult time, I had suffered two strokes and underwent brain surgery. I spent several months in the intensive care unit.

I was finally released, but while I had come out of the coma praising God and knowing I had undergone a life changing experience, it was approximately three years before I could speak again.

Initially, my words were difficult for others to understand, but I was eventually able to speak clearly.

Then and today, I continue to believe in Jesus, as my savior, who died for me and rose again in victory.

Jesus has also given me victory over death - both physically and spiritually. And I proudly confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord of my life.

Everything hasn't been easy since I accepted Jesus, but he has walked with me every step of the way.

I thank God that He has allowed me to share my testimony both verbally and now with this written testimony.

Once I couldn't speak for three years. Today I speak of the victory I have through...

Jesus Christ