07/12/2026
Love That Brings Life To Thirsty Souls! Roger F. Leftwich Testimony
“First, I want to honor Kurt & Phyllis, the founders of Hope Alive, along with every volunteer who faithfully shows up each week to pray, love, serve, and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Your obedience matters more than you may ever realize.
Every Friday morning, we pray for the Holy Spirit to move. When God's people come together in one accord with humble hearts, God shows up. Lives are changed, hearts are healed, and miracles happen. We don't always see everything God is doing, but He is always working.
This past Friday, July 3, was one of those unforgettable mornings.
After the sermon, many people responded to receive Christ. As I stood greeting people afterward, a young man named Tyler was at the back of the line. We locked eyes, and I asked him a question I often ask:
"What do you want God to do for you today?"
Without hesitation he replied,
"I don't believe in your God or Christianity. I'm part of one of the oldest religions in the world."
As he shared more of his beliefs, I realized he had become deeply involved in Theistic Satanism.
My heart immediately broke for him.
Silently, I began praying for the Holy Spirit to guide every word I spoke. I knew this wasn't an argument to win—it was a soul to love.
For the next thirty minutes, I simply shared my testimony and what Jesus Christ had done in my own life. As Tyler asked questions, the Holy Spirit faithfully supplied the answers.
One of his first comments was,
"I tried Christianity years ago... it didn't work."
I smiled because I knew exactly what he meant.
I told him that I had once felt the same way.
I had mistakenly believed that following Jesus meant life would suddenly become easy. Instead, I learned that Christianity isn't about joining a religion—it's about entering a relationship with the living God.
I told him,
"Even the devil believes God exists. The difference is trust. God isn't asking you to simply believe He exists. He's inviting you to trust Him and walk with Him every day."
I shared this illustration:
Life is like jumping from an airplane in the middle of a violent storm. When the parachute first opens, you're tossed around by the wind. But if you hold on, the parachute carries you safely to the ground.
Jesus is our parachute.
He doesn't always remove the storms, but He faithfully carries us through them.
I explained that God didn't create Tyler by accident.
The God who created the heavens and the earth knows him by name.
Before he was ever born, God formed him in his mother's womb, gave him unique fingerprints, a unique voice, unique eyes, unique gifts, and a purpose that no one else on earth can fulfill.
I also shared something deeply personal.
I told him that growing up, my own father said I would never amount to anything.
Tyler quietly replied,
"Me too."
At that moment, I could see the Holy Spirit softening his heart.
As we continued talking, I noticed the Hope Alive team had nearly finished packing everything away.
I asked Tyler,
"Would you like to get some food or clothes?"
He looked at me and said,
"No... I'm good. This is way more important."
Then I shared one final thought.
"Tyler, it's really very simple. God gave you physical life. Jesus Christ offers you eternal life. And God gives every believer His Holy Spirit—not so we have to live life alone, but so He can guide us, strengthen us, comfort us, and help us become the person He created us to be."
Tyler paused. Then he said something I'll never forget.
"When I tried Christianity years ago, no one ever explained the Holy Spirit to me."
A few moments later...Tyler surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and received Him as his Lord and Savior. *To God be ALL the glory!!!
I share this story for one reason. I know beyond any doubt that I could never have done this on my own. It was the power of the Holy Spirit...The saving power of the Blood of Jesus Christ... And the faithful prayers, love, and obedience of every Hope Alive volunteer.
My part was simply to be available and obedient enough to share the Gospel in love. **Would you please join us in praying for Tyler?
Pray that God will surround him with mature believers, strengthen his faith, protect him, and continue transforming his life one day at a time.
Thank you, Kurt & Phyllis. Thank you, Hope Alive family.
**Never underestimate what God can do through one willing heart that is surrendered to Him.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:12
Jesus is still saving lives! His Gospel is still the power of God for salvation!!”
