save - tim girling
12th July 2010 by Julia Hosking
In August 2008, the Sydney Youth Band went on a weekend trip to Victoria to perform at South Barwon Corps and the magnificent Melbourne City Temple.
I had become a Christian, by truly accepting Christ as my Lord and Saviour some 12 months before, but continued to battle against old habits and poor influences. My faith in God had not faltered, but my obedience and service to God definitely had. I attended my corps regularly and was involved on a superficial level, but I knew that I had a lot more to give, and God knew that also.
I found myself on the rooftop of Melbourne City Temple after the day's performances with another young guy, who had been very committed to God and the Army, but in recent years strayed from the church and his faith. He had come on the trip with the band because he had a passion for brass, and wanted to get away from a rough patch in his life for a weekend.
A match lit; a fire rekindled
Two young men, one with a lukewarm faith, the other with a faith long pushed aside, snuck up some stairs to have a cigarette. The cigarette turned into half a pack, and the idle chat turned to talk of struggles, pain, remorse and redemption.
I talked about my struggles at work, where my values were constantly questioned, tested and ridiculed, and how I was often giving in to temptation while there. I also spoke of my nicotine addiction – a habit that if allowed to deepen, sadly would not only hurt me, but my wife and children as well.
The young man I was with also talked extensively about his woes, troubles, and torments. After we had spoken for a long time, we came to the realisation that our troubles weren't going away and our problems could not be solved by any strength of human character.
Two changed lives
On that cold Melbourne evening, we both recommitted our lives to Christ. Immediately the Holy Spirit swelled up within us and inspired us to fulfil what God had always intended us to do.
It was from that moment, on that night, on a roof that was simply going to be a retreat for a cigarette, that two young men realised the error of their ways. On that rooftop, two young men gave their lives to the service of God and his Kingdom and put their troubles, torments and trials in the hands of their Maker.
The young man I was with reclaimed his spot in Heaven that night, and has since recommitted as a senior soldier. He has taken up a ministry with young people at his corps and now attends 'in the power of God' and 'for the Kingdom of God'.
My new journey
It was in the aftermath of this night that I felt called to become a senior soldier. I made that covenant six months later with my wife, in a room filled with loving friends and family.
In the months and years since then, God has been constantly working in me and in my life. He has bestowed wisdom, humility and servitude upon me. My young family and I have been blessed in many amazing and often unfathomable ways.
It is in these days that my wife and I have felt a calling upon our lives to serve God full-time as officers in The Salvation Army. As we make the journey towards that, through the snags and trips along the way, over the hills and mountains we encounter, we travel in God's strength, because of Christ's redeeming sacrifice, and with the Holy Spirit moving in us.
We believe in a God of the present, and reckon there is always something that you can share with others about God’s work in your life. Whether you’ve shared a story before or not, don’t be put off submitting three, four or twenty save-grow-serve stories! Don't delay, click here today!
save. grow. serve.
save - noah rzeminski
Noah Rzeminski from Wollongong tells how his father was not happy with his decision to b... Read more
serve - nick horvatic
Nick Horvatic from Bundaberg shares his journey as a youth worker over the past few year... Read more
Got your own story to share? Write to us today!
Comments
I am so pleased and PROUD to read this statement of faith and acknowledgement of the struggles of life and the practical hope we all have in Christ.
love it bro...thank you for your honesty, it just made my day richer
They say the longest journey is from the head to the heart.
Praise God that with Him, you chose to make that journey!!
Hey tim,
loved hearing about your journey, look forward to seeing all that God has in store for you in the future.
Not that i would recommend it but its amazing that God can still use brass bands and a packet of cigarettes to do his wok...LOL...
Thanks mate, your story has encouraged me in my walk with God.
many blessings
Tim your a champion! I was really encouraged by your story! God is and is going to continue using you to expand his kingdom Keep being God's man! Mark
Hallelujah! We need to hear stories like these more often!!
Praise God for the way He moves despite us and our expectations of how He works.
Thanks for sharing, Tim.
Praying with you for the amazing work God is doing in your life and is continuing to do in the lives of those around you.
Tim, thanks for being so open and honest.God definitely takes our weaknesses, just as we are and turns us into His masterpiece. Praying that God continues to use you and blesses you and your beautiful wife and kids. I know he's already doing an amazing work in you and through you! Lauren :)
What an amazing story. A moment that is a real gift between you and your maker. Bless you buddy.