By Terri Houston

June 1953 was hazy, hot and humid in the little coal mining village of Blackfield, PA. The only wood framed church did not have electric, water or gas. The longer days in June were perfect for traveling preachers to stop for “revival” meetings.

Our parents did not attend church, but we children did! I was 5, my sister Ann was 4, my brothers Tommy was 3 and Jim was 8.

We stopped in front of the church to see a very large man trying to squeeze thru the very narrow outhouse door! We howled and laughed till it hurt to see such a sight! He was surely picking splinters that night after church.

We hurried into the church, ran all the way to the front and sat in the little pews for the choir just right of the lectern. Suddenly, to our surprise, in walked the large man straight down the middle and only aisle to the front. I knew he was coming for me! He was the PREACHER!

When he gave the call to accept Jesus, I stood instantly! We were already in front of the church. I dragged my brother and sister with me. Oh, what joy…the greatest give of all, salvation thru the Christ!
The little white wood framed church still stands (about 25’x25’). The outhouse is still there. They both will pass away someday, but the free gift of God given on that day will never pass away! Glory be to God for Jesus!