9 September 2024

MY UP TO DATE TESTIMONY TO THE GOODNESS OF GOD.

By John Ollis

Yesterday (8/9/24) I celebrated my 83rd birthday. I was sure overwhelmed by all the greetings in social media for me, as well as chatting with both our sons on the phone. Normally. we are so busy on a Sunday. but we were not needed for our usual afternoon engagement, this week, so had the opportunity to go out for a nice meal and come home and relax and express our thanks to the Lord.

I want in this blog to echo the words of King David in Psalm 37:25 KJV I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

I have been born again for almost 73 years of my life, and what an awesome blessed journey it has been. Called to Ministry at around 15 years old. Bible College training, marriage, (2 sons/5 grandchildren), transition from Pastoral ministry to Bible College Teaching and Training and going to at least 25 different countries to teach and preach.

Sadly, I have failed the Lord many times, but He has never failed or forsaken me, aging and health challenges caused me to slow down and “retire” when I was 76, but not only have we continued to serve the Lord in our local church, but still participate in Leadership, and Mentoring. I may not be publicly preaching and teaching anymore, but seek to encourage through blogging and Intercession.

Since my “retirement” the Holy Spirit has so graciously been leading me into a greater understanding of the Word of God which has been such an overwhelming blessing to me.

I want to say with the Apostle Paul in Phil.3:14 KJV I press toward the mark for the prize of God’s high calling in Christ Jesus. There are many things I physically find hard to do these days, but I refuse to get slack and lazy in my walk with the Lord, I want to keep falling in love with Him more and more every day.

Again, I can testify with Paul in 2 Cor.12:9 KJV My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. We don’t deserve God’s unmerited Grace and favour, but He pours it out upon us.

So, as I begin my 84th year of life, I thank God for all His blessings and goodness to me.