I first realized and understood the gospel at the age of 11, told everyone at my church that I knew I needed Jesus and then followed through in baptism. Throughout the next few years, several events in my life drove a wedge between myself and the parents of my peers at church. I came to a point where I felt like if I had witnessed the examples of what Jesus wanted to turn me into, then I didn’t want anything to do with Jesus or the church. Of course you know … God had better things in mind. He allowed me to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness on my own terms only to show me that I had no idea how to live free or what lasting happiness was. My life went nowhere and I knew there had to be more. I wanted to escape the mess I had made so I left everything and everyone and took off to Pennsylvania with my girlfriend.

I thought I had made a smart decision, but in retrospect I can see God’s providence at work in my life. He brought me out of my wasted life and grabbed hold of me. I suddenly had nothing better to think about, nothing better to talk about, nothing better to live for than the gospel of Jesus Christ. His power in my life began to show fruit rapidly. Everyone in the factory I was employed in either fellowshipped with me, stayed far away from me, mocked me, or asked me deep and meaningful questions of me because they could see God working in my life. It wasn’t long before my witness there became unwelcome and some of the more prominent associates began plotting my departure. I was unemployed after that for some time and did various volunteer work in the community and desperately longed to return to Georgia. God made a way and I have returned. Everything is different here now. I left here a drug user, seller, and manufacturer. Single with no plans to marry, no steady job (besides selling dope) no future plans what-so-ever. I wanted nothing to do with “churchy” people

I’ll fast forward to present day. I am now a husband, father, licensed plumber, and homeowner. I have moved my membership through 2 churches in the last 5 years because I am struggling to find one that is loyal to the truth found in the Bible. So what I find lacking in the pew I find abundant through private study and online resources. At work, my partner and I listen to podcasts on our way to a jobsite. Many times this provides us a groundwork for a very productive and God-centered conversation that sometimes lasts throughout the day. Our jobsite radio is blasting the local Christian rock station whenever we are fortunate enough to be the first on site. Whenever we aren’t so fortunate, I still try to listen intently to the lyrics of the secular songs that are playing to see if there is anything I can use in a redemptive manner to change the flow of conversation and bring the gospel to the forefront.

My partner and I do our best to be very productive and honest in our daily routine in order to live a life at work that is above reproach (besides the welcome reproach of being the “Christian truck”). My partner, who hasn’t been to church in a very long time, is praying with his wife at home. He is repeating our conversations with her and sharing the scriptures that we talk about throughout the day with her. She says he is a different man now, since we began working together. He agrees and expresses his gratitude regularly. Everywhere we go, the level of morality rises because those who know us want to show us respect as best they know how. I am elated to see the response of others as they bear witness to the power of God through our lives. All glory belongs to the one by whom and for whom all things were made. As I continue recognizing the beginnings He has made in me may I perpetually respond with a heart that yearns to make his glory the end of all my pursuits. May every breath I take be taken in from the light of His presence through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thanks for this opportunity to share. God has satisfied me beyond my greatest longings and this time has helped me to realize it.

Bobby

Robert M. Auner says of himself: I’m nothing special, just an regular old, everyday plumber and I practice my trade here in Georgia. I am married and I have two very active and rambunctious boys who never stop. God has blessed me greatly. Today, at the age of 27, God has trusted me with a great family, a cozy home, the lead position on my crew at work, close friends, and various ministry opportunities.