When I was young, people gave me the opportunity to “slay lions and bears” and grow as a leader. These responsibilities prepared me for God’s future for my life.
I am the first of six children of Gilbert and Sylvia Spence. Much of the education we obtained was taught at home from parents who did not have an opportunity to obtain a college degree but were committed disciples of Jesus, the Master Teacher.
I told God how I felt and asked Him to answer me as my Friend: “God, how can I overcome this situation?” Immediately, a thought came to mind: Go read Hebrews 12:3–4.
In anger, frustration and deep brokenness, I went to God expressing my sincere disappointment. And that’s when He gave me Matthew 28:20 to not only strengthen me in that moment, but to carry me for years to come.
This promise gave me security and strength, and made me see that my case was not a matter of life or death, but a trial from which I would emerge victorious.
Forty years ago this September, Jim Slater, then a freshman at Pennsylvania Conference’s Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, broke his neck, became paralyzed, stopped breathing and almost died.
