At the venerable age of 67, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began 55 years ago – a journey so profound and transformative that it inspired the title of this memoir, “55 Years With Jesus.” This is not just a recounting of years gone by; it is an exploration of the pivotal moments and divine encounters that have shaped my existence. My story unfolds in the verdant landscapes of Portland, Oregon. It was here, at a youth camp nestled along the historic Lewis and Clark Trail, with the majestic Columbia River as its backdrop, where the trajectory of my life shifted irrevocably. That seemingly ordinary day, when my parents left me at the camp, marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Over the course of 55 years, I have been graced with a renewed sense of purpose and a profound gratitude towards God for the gift of rebirth – a gift I embraced wholeheartedly. Contrary to popular belief, drawing God’s attention doesn’t require elaborate prayers or rituals; the path to salvation and eternal life is surprisingly simple and accessible to all. Let me take you back to those transformative days at the youth camp, where the unassuming yet powerful story of salvation was first shared with me. Despite the passage of time, the vividness of that life-altering experience remains etched in my memory. Surrounded by the natural splendor of the forest and the Columbia River, I was captivated by the counselors’ revelation that all this beauty – the wilderness, the wildlife, and even ourselves – were creations of Jesus. This was a revelation to my twelve-year-old self, and I accepted it with an open heart, unburdened by skepticism. The spiritual crescendo of my time at the camp came during an informal church service. Amidst the melody of songs and the resonance of Bible scriptures, which now escape my memory, a singular question posed by a counselor struck a chord in me. When asked if I wished to receive Jesus, my response was a heartfelt ‘yes.’ I instinctively knew that He was the architect of all the goodness around me, and I yearned to know Him as my Savior. What transpired next was nothing short of miraculous. In a moment of divine encounter, I found myself speaking in a new tongue, uttering words that were as unfamiliar as they were profound. The interpreters conveyed the meaning of my utterances, and to my astonishment, I recognized the truth in their translations even before they spoke. Remarkably, I was quoting from John 14, a scripture I had not yet read. It was a later reading of this passage that solidified my awe at the greatness of God. This experience – receiving salvation, being filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesying, and speaking in tongues – was my introduction to the gifts of the Spirit. It was a moment of rebirth, an initiation into a life reborn, even before I fully grasped the concept of being ‘born again.’ The exhilaration of this experience was overwhelming, and it marked the beginning of my journey back home – a journey not just in the physical sense, but a spiritual odyssey that continues to this day. As I pen these words, I invite you to join me on this journey – a journey of faith, discovery, and unceasing wonder.