It is a hot and humid typical Southern day that triggers the memory of Vacation Bible School. The joy of going to church that provided a vacation from home and hope fresh on the mind and heart. Looking forward with joy and anticipation of the church van that would be coming down the dirt road to carry you to church for the evening.
1996 was different. It was two extremes colliding together. It was a culmination of events that would set the lives of a family on fire that would burn until there was nothing left to burn. It began with a bus kid.
It was a year of great suffering, but the joy that was coming was far greater than the issues that come with alcoholism, drug addiction, and a broken home.
It started with the love of Christ that filled the bus that was displayed by someone who loved God. Someone who experienced God’s love, mercy, hope, and forgiveness.
It continued for the week with God convicting a nine year old girl of the sins that made her dirty. Not the kinda dirt you get from riding four wheelers and playing in the dirt all day but a kind of dirty that could only be washed away by Jesus’ blood.
Barely able to stand. Barely able to speak. Knowing the only place to be is down at the alter seeking the truth, redemption, solace, and accepting God’s truth and the only way to everlasting life through the death of His son, Jesus.
Jesus Accepted. Set Free. Hope Obtained. Life Given.
The moment she walked in her front door – life was about to change. The catalyst was about to ignite. Salvation would spread to a dad and sister chained to addiction. A wife and family’s prayers would soon be answered.
I am a bus kid, this is my story, and this is how God found us.
Xoxo,
Hannah B.
Collective Circle Gathering 