The Thoughts and Poetry of Glenn Ervin

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Legacy

"I’ve got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said
I’ve got the Holy Ghost, down in my soul, just like the Bible said
Well I’ve been to the water and I’ve been baptized
My soul got happy and I’m satisfied
I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey now
Just like the Bible, just like the Bible, just like the Bible said"

     The old Pentecostal chorus rang through the Marshall county woods. It was a hot, sweltering Mississippi July 14th, 1978.
     A 17 year old boy made his way to the altar. It was camp meeting time for the MS District of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was life changing time for the young man.
     The services were being held in an open air tabernacle just down the hill from the Bethlehem Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Potts Camp, MS (there is nothing in the world like an open air Apostolic church service.)
     At 17, I had not been raised in church and had never seen anyone receive the Holy Ghost. I just knew that I wanted, needed, the Lord Jesus to be my Lord Jesus. I lifted my hands in surrender to His Spirit and the next thing I knew I was speaking in tongues.
     I turned around to see that Vicky McDonald was standing off behind me with tears of joy running down her face. I made my way back to her and hugged her. Right there in front of God and everybody, I hugged Vicky McDonald.
     Exactly 33 years and one month later, Glenn and Vicky McDonald- Ervin’s oldest granddaughter, Rachel, received the same Holy Ghost.
     Rachel’s mother, My daughter Jennifer, received this Holy Ghost just before her 5th birthday. Jennifer grew up and married a fine young minister named Delbert Tritsch. Rachel was with Delbert’s mother at church when she experienced this Holy Ghost.
     Looking back over my 50 years, I haven’t always done things right. But one thing I know I got right was embracing the Bible plan of salvation found in Acts, 2:38. Another thing I did right was to embrace Vicky McDonald that night at camp meeting.
    

1 comment:

  1. Rachel is 5th generation Pentecostal on Mom's side. We may not leave her with a legacy she can spend, but the legacy given to her is priceless. Thank you for my heritage. (and I'm glad you hugged Mom, too.) :)

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