TESTIMONY OF BETSY BARNES

He knows the way that I take and when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold (Job. 23:10).  I have taken many different roads during my 38 years here on earth. This past year, since I have dedicated my life to Jesus, I finally understand how I have simply been tested, and I now know how to pass the test of life, in & thru Him.

My name is Betsy Barnes and I am from Bardstown, Kentucky.  I came to the Wings of Life on July 16, 2005 by the grace of God.  I was in and out of jail at least 10 times in 2004, and by July of 2005, I had been in jail 5 times. My usual charges were paraphernalia and public intoxication, but the last two times I was charged with grand theft auto and a felony drug possession.  By His mercy, the grand theft charge was dropped, and the drug charge became a misdemeanor.

In addition to these run-ins with the law, I hurt everybody who loved me.  Now, by God’s mercy, I have been forgiven of all my transgressions and can walk upright in a somewhat upside down world.  Wings of Life has taught me how to enjoy a clean life, serving the Lord and helping others just like me to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and take the first step to turning their lives over to Jesus. He has to lead & be in control, not self & the flesh.

My relationship with my family is now under repair, and this past Christmas was like no other.  I have learned that even though I had a drug/alcohol addiction, I also had many attitude issues.  I have learned humility, obedience and diligence on a completely different level, while I have been here at the Wings.  I now understand my family and know that each of us is different, but we are all God’s children, and now we can all get along with the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I’ve been lonely, but never alone because Jesus is always with me, & never ever forsakes me.

I will be graduating from the Dove Foundation in October, and if the Lord is willing, I will stay on to continue running the Thrift Store and enter the Ministry Program.  I realize now how unsuccessful I was at running my life, and how brilliant of a picture it is now with God as my Master.  I am also grateful for the teaching I have received from Pastor Glen, Pastor Geary and am most indebted to minister Inez Spencer, who as a devout woman of God, has guided my steps (with incredible kindness) in the ways of being a true prayer warrior and woman of God.  Thanks to all those who make the Wings of Life possible, from those who give of their time and money to those who work in the day to day operation. I thank you for doing the Lord’s work when I needed Him most.  To God be the glory!