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Jessie's Personal Testimony |
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My testimony starts off very simply, as a young girl in Sunday school. As a family we were not saved to begin with, but since moving to Jarvis, Ont. We were surrounded by many Christian people who invited us to come to their church numerous times. One Sunday morning we attended, and this is where my testimony begins. I remember sitting in Sunday school that one morning while my Sunday school teacher was explaining the love of Jesus and all that He had done for me on the cross. I was only seven years old but I understood completely. When the time came I responded with an up-raised hand, signifying that I wanted Jesus in my heart. Since that day God has done so much in my life. It’s hard to write it all down, but I think a good place to start would be my “music”. I have ALWAYS enjoyed my music……ALWAYS! Music has played a BIG part in my life and that of my family’s. So……singing was something that seemed an obvious consequence. My singing started at home, then on stage at a young age. I then began competing in different competitions and enjoyed that very much. So, the stage seemed a natural outcome. My family began singing together at local events, seniors’ homes, churches, etc. When grade 9 came around, I believe it was the roughest time in my Christian walk. It’s where I needed to decide whether I would live for Jesus or for the world. I realized then that I wanted to live for God whole heartedly. I dedicated my voice and talents to HIM, and for HIS glory. God then started opening doors for my family to sing more extensively throughout Canada, the USA and even the Philippines. My most memorable times singing on the road are the tours to the USA, including the Northern Gospel Singing Convention in Marion, Indiana. We met many wonderful people and different groups. In our second year of attending the convention, I met a group called the “SonShine Quartet” from Ocala, Florida. They caught my attention immediately since they had some young guys singing with them; one of them being their lead singing, Donald Wayne Crutchfield. We met but that’s as far as it went. When I came home I received an e-mail through our guest book, from this “lead singer”. I responded, but in the back of my mind was the thought that I didn’t want to get hurt. I had given my singleness to God; leaving it in HIS hands. I knew that He would send the right man along. As time passed this young man and I began to e-mail more often and our friendship grew. In February of 2004 we went on tour with the SonShine Quartet in Florida. Donald Wayne and I were able to spend time together, and of course, fall in love. On April 24th/04, while we were hosting a concert here in Canada, Donald Wayne Crutchfield got down on his knee in front of 350 people and asked me to marry him. I said yes and we were married on October 16, 2004. He’s moved to Canada and has added his God given talents to the “Hilton Family”. God has blessed me. I am confident of that. You know, it wasn’t until I surrendered my future and singleness to God that he placed Donald Wayne in my life. I am excited about our future together. He and I both feel that God has called us to full time ministry, and we are excited about what God has in store for us. God Bless! Love in Christ, Jessie Crutchfield |
