I would just like to take a minute and share with you what the Lord Jesus has done for me in my life and let you know that he will do the same for you no matter how bad your circumstances are.  I am pretty hard-headed, but I have learned to never forget about God or put him on the backburner in your life or you will be headed for a downfall. If you do, the devil will try his best to take over and destroy you, I know because that happened to me a couple times-- but God has gave me second chances that people want give you. 
 I was raised up in church and was saved at a revival at a young age of only 8 yrs old, but that gave me a foundation to stand on for Jesus and to know who to turn to when you get older and go through life’s struggles. So I just think it is so important for kids to learn who Jesus and the Holy Spirit is about.  I believe that the devil worked overtime on me at some points in my life because I grew up in and around church, but Jesus did not let him win the battle, he never will!!!!  I could never do enough for God to repay him for what he’s done for me and he will do the same for you. Ask him, pray, have faith and try it what have you got to loose.  God’s plan is always the best plan and he will work things out in your life you don’t have to worry, let god be in control.  He has blessed me in so many ways that I don’t even deserve.  Thank you God!!!

July 22, 2018

Travis Burkes

I want to share a deeply personal and life-changing testimony about how God's grace and a brush with danger led me to a profound realization about my life.Many years ago, I found myself entangled in a relationship that was anything but godly. It was a relationship filled with strife, turmoil, and darkness. I was caught in a web of sin, and I had lost sight of my faith. I was living a life that was far from the path of righteousness. But God, in His infinite wisdom, had other plans for me.One fateful day, as I was sitting in a turning lane on four lane road in Fayetteville, NC, I experienced a near-death encounter that shook me to my core. It was a moment that can only be described as divine intervention. As I sat in the turning lane, a massive semi-truck was traveling the opposite direction toward me, it could not stop for the light and tried to swerve to avoid hitting the cars sitting at the light in front of him, in doing so he crossed the medium coming straight toward me. The sound of screeching tires and blaring horns filled the air, and in that instant, I faced the very real possibility of being crushed beneath the wheels of that giant truck. During that chaos, my heart cried out to the Lord for mercy and protection. It was as though time stood still, and I felt God's presence enveloping me. By His grace, I somehow miraculously swerved my car away from the turning lane into the fast lane (thankfully no one was there because I didn’t even take time to look), and I was spared from a devastating collision as I watched the massive truck pass quickly over the very spot I had been sitting a millisecond earlier. In that moment, I knew that God had saved me for a reason. I was given a second chance at life, and I couldn't ignore the profound message that had been sent my way.It was at that very moment, with my heart pounding and my life hanging in the balance, that I realized the depths of my sinful life. I understood that I was living a life of rebellion and disobedience to God's word. I was on a path leading straight to destruction, and I didn't want to end up in hell. I didn't want to be separated from the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father.I made the conscious decision to turn my life around. I returned to the loving arms of God. I repented for my sins, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I embarked on a journey of spiritual renewal and transformation. By His grace, I also eventually found Blackey Baptist Church and made it my church home. Through prayer, repentance, and the unwavering support of my church and family, I have been able to rebuild my relationship with God and eventually removed myself from the toxic relationship. I am now guided by His word and filled with His love. The experience of that near miss with the semi-truck served as a wake-up call, a reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of staying in God's grace.I stand before you as a living testament to God's mercy, love, and the power of redemption. I have found peace and salvation in His arms, and I am grateful for the second chance He has granted me. My life is now dedicated to serving Him and living in accordance with His will, knowing that the path to eternal life is the one I wish to follow.I share this testimony not only as a testament to the incredible power of God's grace but also as a reminder to all of us that life is fragile, and we should always strive to live in accordance with His word. May this story serve as an inspiration for each one of us to turn away from sin, seek His forgiveness, and embrace the path of righteousness. In His name, I pray. Amen.

November 1, 2019

Arlene Price