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I Grabbed The Gun – Testimony Tuesday

I Grabbed The Gun – Testimony Tuesday

From Daniel Rivera

This status means everything to me. If you haven’t heard my testimony before, this was the night I almost ended my life. After struggling with many addictions and different struggles in my life, I didn’t want to deal with anything or anyone anymore. What I didn’t realize is God wasn’t done with me yet.

That night I came home late from a party pretty messed up. I decided that was the night I was going to be done with everything. I grabbed my gun and went upstairs to my room. Before I could do anything, my pastor texted me. Now remember what time it is. This status was posted at 2:54 a.m. He texted me at about 2:00 a.m. He asked what I was doing, I just told him I was just chilling lol. He texted back 3 words that changed my life forever. Those words were “Don’t do it.” He didn’t necessarily know what I was doing. He later told me that he thought I was just out with the wrong crowd at that moment. But God knew. I dropped my phone when I read that text. God finally got ahold of me. That night I truly believed on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I can’t say I still didn’t struggle with certain things after that. I can’t say I turned 180 right away, but I can say God started a work in me that night that led to the man I am today. I thank God for that night and for my salvation. This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Saviour all the day long. Don’t be afraid to tell YOUR story. #mystory

Testimony Tuesday with Tim Bates

LaDonna and Tim Bates

Tim Bates of The Bates Family gospel group sends us this testimony:

Tim Bates accidentally shot himself in the chest when he was four years old.The bullet severed an artery in his heart in two, powder burned his lungs and damaged his voice box. The doctors said that if he lived through it, he would never talk above a whisper.

Today, Tim is regarded as having one of the strongest voices in gospel music and has also been recognized as a gifted songwriter, having the opportunity to write with some of America’s most talented writers, and having the privilege of some of today’s gospel music artists record his material. He also does BGV(back ground vocal) work at the local recording facility close to his hometown.

Tim is also an evangelist, holding conferences throughout the year, along with their extensive touring schedule.

The Bates Family will be appearing at Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2017, from October 30 – November 2 at the Smoky Mountain Resort Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Special guests also include the Nelons, David Ring, Mark209, Pat Barker and more. Tickets are free but must be reserved. Visit the website for more information.

More about The Bates Family….

Tim Bates and The Bates Family

This award winning family have been on the road since July of 1985. Their love for God along with the fresh sounds of today’s southern gospel mixed with a little country and praise & worship, have garnered them fans of all ages up and down the eastern seaboard. They have accumulated multiple hit songs throughout their career and are a mainstay on the popular television show Great American Gospel which airs on direct tv every week into 20 million households. LaDonna Bates is Tim’s wife, and is a stroke survivor who also is involved in BGV work. Her infectious and bubbly personality will cause you to feel like you have known her forever. Her smooth vocals and sincere delivery is the trademark of this gospel music veteran. LaDonna’s heart  is the young people of today.

LaDonna and Tim Bates

“I want to offer a clear and direct answer to what our young kids face in America today, We never had it as bad as they do in today’s times. They need to hear that Jesus loves them and will be there when the road gets hard.”  LaDonna  is a hard working mom who enjoys a great pair of sweat pants and her favorite tv shows on her days off. For more, click here.

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