STUDENT TESTIMONYS
UMB TESTIMONY BY E. RACER CHAMBERS-GUNNERY SERGEANT, U.S.M.C.
When I was told "no Bibles to be taken into Iraq", I was in spiritual shock. I remember sailing over the Atlantic Ocean feeling like I was completely naked without my Bible. Even the Chaplain on board didn't have a Bible! When we cruised into the Persian Gulf, 100 miles from Iraqi shores, I felt a shiver up and down my spine. I knew I wasn't welcomed in this country for many reasons: I was an American--military personnel--but most of all a Christian--The Infidel. I knew how the Muslim/Islamic people felt about the Christian. They'd rather kill a Christian first, than a dog. We were the invaders to their country physically and spiritually.
As time went on, I was carrying out my orders-doing what a soldier of war was supposed to do. Until 35 miles outside of Tikrit, all of the sudden a news crew shows up from CNN and BBC passing out Bibles. Of course, I was the first in line. Excited and frothing at the mouth for God's Word, I was handed a Bible and tears started to flow. A reporter then stuck his microphone in my face and started asking me questions. I refused to give an interview because I wanted to steal away with my Bible. We were ordered into formation and with strict orders to put all Bibles back into the crate as it passed by. For me, it was like a sucker punch in the stomach, my breath knocked out of me. I did as ordered with tears in my eyes. It hurt so bad, very hard to describe. This showing was all for media hype back home in the States. To show the families back home that your Sons and Daughters are being taken care of spiritually, too. DON'T YOU BELIEVE IT,.!!!!!!!!!
Time rolled on. I had been in Iraq for a year. Hard and battle scarred which means been there for a while and seen almost everything. I prayed mostly at night, because things seemed to settle down a bit. But, I still felt God was far removed from me. Until one of the guys handed me his mail and told me to read what was inside. I took it out and started to read. Understanding My Bible #5. I noticed all of the scripture in the few pages was leaping off of the page at me. Feeding my spirit. I read it about four different times and gave it back. I asked the guy where he got these from. He told me from a friend of his in North Carolina. He gave me his address to Pope Air Force Base and I immediately wrote and requested UMB (UNDERSTANDING MY BIBLE).
Before I knew it, I was had received two in the mail. I started answering the questions and sending them back. I received a personal letter from Steven asking me how UMB came to me. I explained it to him and let him know that I was hungry for the Word of God. He told me how to get an e-mail address. I did. I started to get lots of scripture from Bro. Turner, Sis. Malinda and Bro. Steven. Along with the personal e-mails of encouragement and spiritual guidance, don't forget the tons of scripture, too! I loved it! I was witnessing to my fellow military personnel and even started passing UMBs around the unit. I told my unit if they didn't want to read it, pass it along to another person.
Before I knew it, I had 8 other soldiers asking me how they could get UMB. I would study the UMBs with such vigor, I would almost memorize them. The scripture being sent to me from Steven, Bro. Turner and Malinda was feeding me beyond my expectations. Through UMBs and three persons sending me scripture, I no longer felt God was far off or somewhere else.
I served a second tour of duty in Iraq. God's miraculous healing hands saved my shoulder from destruction after being shot. All three jumped in and sent tons of scripture, prayer and UMB's. This time, I lamenated all that was sent and when I got back to my unit, shared it all with the guys I served with. A total blessing!
Now, I am home in Marietta, Georgia with my Folks, recovering from surgery done on my left hand. I have put in for retirement from the Marine Corps after 15 years of service to my Country. When People ask me about my experience in Iraq, I tell them: I praise God for watching over me and giving me three friends who Love the Lord and cared enough for this old country boy's soul to send UMBs and scriptures at a time in my life when I needed God the most. Then I would show the laminated pages of UMBs and scriptures sent. If you recieve these UMBs, don't throw them away!! Pass those things along! Through your obedience, a great work is being done in many people's lives--I'm living proof.
Semper Fi in Jesus E. Racer Chambers
P.s. My Bible goes where I do-Everywhere! For the rest of my Life!! NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!!!
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William W. McCloud
Age: 15
Raleigh, North Carolina
When I started the UMB course, I had no idea what God's word had instore for me. I had always thought the Bible as a sacred book and should never be read outside of church. Until one of my friends invited me to a UMB meeting at the Carter's house. I believe I started on number 10 UMB. Steven and Janet Carter made sure I was well caught up with lessons 1-9.
I was encouraged to read my Bible openly, something my Dad has never done or encouraged me to do. I grew up in church, because my Great Grandfather helped build the place, so I thought it was something I was supposed to do. I had no idea God really loved me, I thought he (God) was supposed to be feared and respected, but somewhat distant and far away-unattainable. But, by reading and being taught through the UMB classes, I realized all of the "benefits" of the Kingdom of God I had been missing.
I accepted Jesus into my heart and life and I feel freed from the oppression of this world. God is my Father-the one who created me and sent His Son to die for my sins. Then went a little further to prove his closeness to me, He arose from the dead and lives so I can live for an eternity and He's coming back to get me and take me back home where I belong.
I asked God for the Holy Spirit to come and live inside of me too! WOW, what a rush! The WORD has been opened up to me in all kinds of ways. I talk with my friends at school and am not ashamed. I am even called "The Jesus Boy". They think they are making fun of me, but I think of it as a blessing because I'd rather be called that, than anything else in this world. It is a title I wear like a badge of honor.
I would leave my UMB's on the kitchen table and my Dad would read them and now he and I read our Bibles together all of the time! He even re-dedicated his life and now it feels like I have a new Dad. He doesn't cuss anymore or drink and quit the Lodge that he was trying to get me to go to all of the time! He found out the Lodge was not following in step with God's Word and dropped them like a hot potato nevermore to darken their door or give them more money.
I also leave UMB's in the Teacher's Lounge at School. I do know some have read them because either I get a smile from them or a sneer or a snide comment by some. But, as long as they are reading, the Word of God is getting into their spirit and maybe convicting their hearts.
As soon as UMB night starts up again, I am sure to be there! I thank God for the things He's done in my life with UMB. Also, the obedience of "Apostle" Steven and his wife Janet to give the truth to us teenagers is staggering. I thank God for them everyday because of their sacrifice to bring us UMB with the Word of God.
Jesus' Servant, William W. McCloud
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FROM A U-M-B TEACHING COUPLE
Steven and Janet Carter
We started out with 75 students. Now it has dwindled down to 40. Janet and I think the 35 who left, just wasn't serious enough for the course. We told them from the start that this isn't just some ordinary run-of-the-mill Bible study. It is an in-depth study. It takes at least 77 weeks and two testings to complete. If you are serious and faithful about your spiritual growth in the Lord, stick with it and we promise you will learn things about God's Word and how His benefits are for you today.
We offer nothing more than the plain, unadulterated Truth and if they can't handle that, then this course is not for you.
We have had the same 40 students since the middle of April. Even a few young adults--20,21,22 in age to join in. I believe our youngest is 11, oldest is 22. So far it has been a blessing----a crowd in the house every Thursday night, but a blessing. Kids sitting on pillows, bringing fold up camping chairs and such. They are pretty decent and can get rowdy, but when the class starts--complete attention to God's Word and the UMB. Most bring their Bibles and have been looking up the scriptures as we read them. Oh Bro, they are so hungry for God and so tired of being lied to about everything in their lives.
I had one girl tell me this is the only place that the there is truth because truth can't even be found in the pulpit anymore. She caught her Pastor in a lie, confronted him about it, and he told her little lies are not bad. She referred him to Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-5 and 1Corinthians 6:9-10 and then pointed out that people who do these things will not inherit the Kingdome of God. She said her Pastor told her the Bible is supposed to be used to uplift your fellow Christian, not tear them down. She replied you're a liar and your father is the Devil and I ain't coming back to your Church! She hasn't been back, she comes and worships with us. Out of the mouths of Babes!!! She's the 11 year old!!!!!
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This is the original testimony as written, nothing has been changed. This is from the 11 year old, our youngest student in our group and she is a complete and total blessing.
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Lizzie Maples
age: 11
Fayettville, North Carolina
I like going to U-M-B classes. I just cannot wait for Thursdays to learn more about Jesus! I have only been threw half of the class, but I cannot wate to start from the begining! I have learned God is my Father who created everything, Jesus(who is really God himself) is his Son that came and died for us so we can go to heaven when we die, if we accept his sackrifise-Romans 10:9-10 also Jesus is our mediator for us and the Holy Spirit is the breath of God, the action taker and comferter for us. We are inheriters of God's kingdom if we do what God tells us to do and not what the devil wants. Jesus said the devil is a liar and a murderor and has been since the first of time. We should never follow the devil, we should always follow Jesus. I want to follow Jesus for the rest of my life because he is the way, truth and life. I love God with all my heart. Nothing is more impotant.
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We also have many testimonies fron Prison Inmates which we don't have permission to publish at this time. ***********************************************************
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