I have just recently been thinking of a little boy that I used to have in my Sunday School class when he was just three and four years old and I have looked up the Gospel tract that he wrote shortly before he went to be with Jesus...
Mark Saumure ~ Welland, Ontario
The following is 'My Story'! It is dear to my heart since this is how I came to find Christ as MY SAVIOUR! My intention is simple - to let you know that God loves you SO much that He has given His only Son to die so that you might LIVE!
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
I thank God my parents were Christians who read the Bible, feared God and took us to gospel meetings at the Gospel Hall. At ages seven and ten, I told people I had gotten saved. I’m still not sure why I said I was saved when I knew I wasn’t. Soon, gospel meetings became a chore.
In high school, I was ashamed of my parent’s beliefs and I rejected God’s Word. I did whatever I could to show my friends that I was not a Christian. I got in with the wrong crowd and did many “stupid” things. These “friends” only stood with me when things were going well.
In March 1995, I was diagnosed with a malignant form of cancer. This really shook me! However, I continued for the next few months thinking, like most teenagers, “I am indestructible!”
Finally, my doctor looked at me and said, “Mark, your time is limited. My guess is that you have one to two years left.” His words stabbed me. This was the first time I realized I was going to die. I used to think, “I am young, strong, and healthy. I have many years ahead.” NOT TRUE!
I spent May, June and July in Princess Margaret Hospital. During that time I began searching my Bible. First, I faced the truth that I did not have eternal life. I was afraid but too proud to tell my parents. Very late at nights I would pray, “Lord, please save my soul! I know I am a sinner. I need Your salvation! Please save me!”
I knew many verses such as “He that BELIEVETH on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). But I kept asking myself, “How do you believe?”
Then, on August 3rd, in my parent’s bedroom, I prayed very earnestly for salvation. Finally, I said, “I’ll just have to go to hell! I just don’t understand what more I have to do to get saved.” Right them, I understood. There is nothing for me to do! EVERYTHING HAS ALL BEEN DONE! Christ died on the cross for me! That’s enough!
At that moment, Christ became MY savior! Since then, I have had true joy. I used to think, Christians have boring lives. I was wrong! A Christian has a GREAT LIFE and a GREAT FUTURE. To be with the Lord Jesus for eternity – what could be better?!
I used to think “having a fun time” would satisfy. It all looks bright and inviting. The truth is, there is no real satisfaction in this world. The only satisfaction comes from the Lord Jesus!
What is keeping you from being saved? Don’t let your pride, your friends or anything keep you from getting saved. Remember, the promise is still good, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Editors note: Mark Saumure passed into the Lord’s presence on September 17, 1996. Age – 19.
