Bill Swanson
After years of being curious about Christianity but still living a life of sin, I finally accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and received forgiveness for those sins. For me, the journey had just begun and I felt I needed to find a church home. A fellow co-worker had asked me over the years to stop by at his church, Alanson Church of the Nazarene, but I always hesitated. Now my plan (really God's plan!) was to visit most of the area churches and find one I would be comfortable with. My idea of comfort was to get in right on time and back out the door quickly right after the service. That's how it went at the first few churches I visited until I went to the Church of the Nazarene.
I was immediately greeted by two friendly men and asked to sign the guest book if I like. I went into the sanctuary and sat down in the back close to the exit. Shortly, I was greeted and welcomed by many people as I sat and one member asked if I would like to attend his small group
bible study. I was being treated like a long lost relative and I had never met these people! I finally saw my fellow co-worker and he wasn't surprised to see me at all. It was like he knew I would be there some day. Being naturally introverted I would never have considered a small group but the Holy Spirit was at work and led me there and I still attend after well over a year.
I have been blessed with a servants heart and work at our Wednesday night food pantry and share in operating the sound booth for Sunday services. All this from a guy who never thought of volunteering my time free for anything other than myself! This church has truly made a difference in my life and is helping me become the man God wants me to be. He is alive and present at the Alanson Church of the Nazarene.
More People Stories
