Cheryl Pietzke's Testimony (Written January 11, 2010-Final Edit January 20, 2010
I Came to Him
I am testifying to the Lord's glory, goodness, and miracles He's given me in the last year and a half. My daughter, Tamara, had heard of TFC (Tacoma Foursquare Church) from one of her friends and we were anxious to visit the upcoming Sunday. We knew TFC was located at a school called Franklin Elementary but we weren’t sure where that was.
On the Saturday a week before we were to begin church, Tamara and I had a shopping trip to make. We were chatting and having a very important conversation on our drive, apparently, because I couldn’t believe we passed up our original turn-in. Now I’d have to turn around. But the conversation got intriguing again and I missed the turn a second time. I think it was the third time that I’d swung in, not looking at the scenery, but I knowingly said to Tamara, “You know what? This is Franklin Elementary School, and church is held here next week.†As I slowed in and we spotted signs, Tamara said, “Mom, how did you know?†I shrugged and said God had shown us how to get to church next week.
I had prayed for the right church for our family, which was going through a variety of struggles and upheavals. It felt like God had directed us here. Thanks to God's goodness. Also, God gave me a verse in Jeremiah 29:11 through a close friend. "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Funny thing, my son and his wife who did not know that God had given me this verse and was not familiar with it, gave me a wooden plaque with this verse on it at Christmas a year ago. Thanks to God's goodness.
After my diagnosis of cancer in May 2008, I came to God and renewed my relationship with Him. I had felt so busy before; too busy to listen; perhaps, just too busy for God. Locating my Bible would have probably taken some work. This was before I had renewed my relationship with God. One early morning, I was drifting off to sleep when I distinctly saw myself sitting in front of a magnificent leather-bound book. I remember feeling excited to open it up, like it was a treasure. Then I distinctly heard a small voice say, "This book is about a journey." By then, I was completely awake and knew that I had just had a visit. I didn't know what that meant. I can say that since learning about the cancer, it has been a journey for me, and I’m so glad God’s been with me with his glory, goodness, and miracles.
I was baptized for the first time when I was 13 years old. It was rather memorable for me, especially given the fact that I had gotten baptized in the cold and duck-feathered water at Wapato Park. I may have been the only one baptized, I can’t remember, but I felt special. I was baptized by an old-fashioned Pentecostal church pastor at a church called the Church of God. I wanted to reclaim my Christian faith. That is why I chose to be baptized again, at Tacoma Foursquare Church. Our entire family, with the exception of the youngest, also committed their lives to Jesus and began making changes. The youngest has grown in her love of God and in her faith.
I didn't know that there were two separate baptisms: One by the Holy Spirit and one in remembrance of Jesus dying on the cross for the healing of our sins and sicknesses. I didn't understand about speaking the heavenly language and the Holy Spirit's duties until much later.
After getting re-baptized, our family, who later also got baptized, began to make some changes. Bob joined the Men's retreat last year and it made some positive changes in him. Glory to God for these positive changes. I also made some friends that have been a support and rock to me. One other family member even began attending church again.
I've been to two women's retreats and Bill Johnson Ministry, which has a healing focus. I've learned and grown from this. I've attended other classes and
