March 1997

 

 

Glory to God in the Highest!!

 

A rare, rare, rare miracle has taken place.  It involves a Christian named John Duncan who was at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa during 1993.  Not only was John a professing Christian, but also he was a campus minister with the local Chi-Alpha Christian student organization that is affiliated with the Assemblies of God

 

My first encounter with Brother John came in December of 1993 while I was preaching at the University of Alabama.  Brother John was a fierce opponent to the message of holiness in the life of the believer.  He was a relentless advocate for known sin in the life of a Christian.  We battled for hours before a huge crowd of attentive listeners.  Brother John and I made the front page of the University of Alabama campus newspaper.  The pictured showed us in the heat of debate.  I left campus that week confident that I had not shunned to declare all of the counsel of God.

 

I am pleased to announce that I have regained contact with Brother John and that he is a changed man.  He now preaches the same message that he once opposed. 

 

This contact came to pass when one Sunday morning the Spirit of God led him to a church in Millbrook, Al., where I have preached in times past.  After service John spoke to the pastor and told him about his campus preaching.  The pastor asked Brother John if he knew Brother Jim Gilles.  Brother John was shocked that the pastor knew me.  Brother John expressed a desire to contact me.  The pastor called me and gave me Brother John’s number.  I called Brother John and requested that he reduce his testimony to writing, he did and I have enclosed it.

 

Brother John came to hear me preach two weeks ago at a church in Opelika, Al.  First, he came alone to the morning service then he returned for the evening service with his wife Ellen and about ten members from his Chi Alpha student organization.  They all seemed to like my preaching.

 

I joined them at Auburn University where a former Auburn student who is now a professor at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Al, greeted me.  He told me that he appreciated my ministry and then gave me his address expressing a desire to help me financially.  I gave his name and address to a pastor that I preach for there in Jacksonville.

 

Three weeks ago, after I had preached in a church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the pastor asked if anyone had anything else to say, a member stood up and told how nine years ago while attending Oklahoma State University he had heard me preach.  He testified that my testimony haunted him for years until he finally surrendered his life to Christ.

 

This is indeed a breath of fresh air.  I am truly thankful that the Holy Ghost knows what is needed in every circumstance.

 

We thank you for your love and prayers.

 

Brother Jim - Sister Bonnie - Aaron - Gabrielle