My Testimony by Elmer D. Yeager
Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, my parents were not at that time members or attendees of any church. I was essentially an only child, with little adult supervision, as Dad worked in the steel mill (and in his off-time was in the many bars between the mill and home) and Mom was sick and inattentive. I became narcissistic and independent. I overcame teenage angst on my own will power (or so I thought). I left Pennsylvania behind in 1982, joining the Army but not before I married my partner for life, Shirley.
In the Army I continued to believe only in myself; self-esteem, assurance in skills, ability and decision-making. I left the military to become a contractor, and my abilities brought me great praise and financial gain, but I was self-absorbed who accomplished much but also greedy and self-indulgent. Having our children though, Shirley and I saw they needed something; it was Shirley who thought church involvement would help. I scoffed as I was a self-proclaimed atheist. I wanted nothing to do with God, what could He provide that I didn’t already provide for myself?
Shirley came to Christ first; as she got more involved, I went to church with her more and more and started to realize what I was missing; it was our Lord Jesus. In January 1995, I decided to follow Him, and it is the best decision I ever made!
I am no longer self-focused, self-indulgent, or independent. This former atheist is now all in for the Gospel of my Lord and Savior. I now teach His Word, witness to His glory, and seek to have others come to know Him as well! I am no longer greedy but compassionate and sharing in all things. I am not perfect and have my very ‘human’ moments, but am Graced and Blessed with perfection through Jesus!