My Joy was Restored, Carlos Zamarripa

I have been meeting with the local church in Austin since January of 1999 when I entered my senior year at the University of Texas. Before I met the brothers and sisters in the local church, my Christian life was one that was backslidden and far away from God. I received the Lord shortly after graduating from high school, but by my second semester in college, I was enticed by the world and the college scene, and I began to live a life no different than that of an unbeliever. After a few years I realized that a life without God is shallow and meaningless. I was now a husband and a father and I began to seek the truth and had a desire to meet with genuine believers who where going on strongly in their walk with the Lord. To make a long story short, I found myself in a meeting of the local church and I can honestly say that at the end of the meeting the “joy of my salvation” was restored!

I began to meet with a brother during my lunch break at school and we would get into the Word, which was a real supply to me. I felt so loved and cared for. I began to share the Lord (in the way of gospel preaching) with my schoolmates and friends. My prayer life began to increase as well. I also enjoyed the ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee. This ministry has helped me to experience and know the Lord in a richer and deeper way. One of the biggest helps I have received is the practice of having a devotion time with the Lord in the morning. I also learned simple ways to touch the Lord throughout my busy days.

I am so thankful that the Lord has brought me here and pray that the Lord will bring many to the local churches throughout the world.