True freedom has many meanings to different people. For me, true freedom was a powerful journey to God and His everlasting love for me. Freedom from past mistakes, failed relationships, and an inability to forgive myself.

  In March of 2024, I found myself in the midst of a marriage in trouble, an unfulfilling career, and removed from friends and family. I was literally on a bridge, contemplating suicide. As I exited the vehicle, I continued to speak to God. I was trying to justify my actions and asking for help between tears.

  As I stood at the edge of the bridge, I literally heard God answer me. The answer was not what I was praying for, the restoration of my marriage, but to stay alive till Sunday morning.  In anger, I threw the pistol into the river, and told God I would be "there" Sunday morning. I had no idea where "there" was, much less, what the outcome would be. 

  I went online to look for a church, since my wife was still attending our church. I found Turning Point on the web. I looked at the site and told God I would be "there" Sunday morning, and to meet me "there" .... like I was some sheriff in a western movie calling Him out.

  I showed up Sunday morning, after seriously struggling with Friday and Saturday. Again, as I exited the vehicle, I reminded God I was "here" and I really wanted to believe. As I walked towards the door, a lifetime of "religion" told me I was a failure again and again.

  Making my way into the auditorium and finding a seat, greeting numerous strangers along the way, I accepted that I was probably going to kill myself after the service. God had a different plan for me.

  The lights went down and a video started. My first thought was, "Great, I picked a place where it is a TV evangelist." As the video continued, my mind changed. The video was titled, "You have an Appointment." Immediately, God started speaking to me. To my very bruised heart and soul. To all the guilt I carried. To the countless failures and missed opportunities. By the time the video ended, I felt God calling me.

 MY appointment was not with death that day. MY appointment was at the altar to get the forgiveness and love I had been seeking. To find eternal peace in my heart and soul. To have a life free from the trappings of sin. FREEDOM.

  As the pastor closed out and started the altar call, I had a grip on the chair in front of me. Praying harder than I had ever prayed in my life. Tears flowing like a river. I explained to Jesus that I could not handle another round of failures... Jesus was calling me. 

  In the midst of all this, I heard a gentleman praying a couple of seats over. His prayer was simple and earnest, "God, I don't know what my brother is facing, I lift him up to You."

  Words have meaning and impacts on lives. In his words, I heard forgiveness, love, and acceptance... Jesus continued to call me.

  I remember taking the first step. I do not remember any others. I remember being at the altar and praying. I could feel multiple hands on my back, shoulders and the top of my head. When I stood up from the altar, I made a public profession of faith. A week later, I was baptized. It was Easter Sunday.

  On Wednesday, I showed up for Bible Study, no idea which class or where. I just showed up, trusting that God would provide and lead. I met a couple at the door and they invited me to join their group. I walked into the Freedom study. (Wow! I wonder how I ended up here!).

  So, as the class progressed this night, I began to see things in a very different light. How my failures were forgiven and forgotten. How my life was not a waste. How my marriage could be saved. Ron and Erin Manning both spent time with me after the class, praying and encouraging me.

  I continued to pray and study daily. I began to share my story with others. I would share my story and ask others to pray for me while I prayed for them. 

  God rewarded me two weeks later for being obedient to His plans. A simple phone call in the middle of the night from my wife. A few short weeks later, we reconciled our marriage. I encouraged my wife to come to Freedom class and church with me. We began attending class and church together again. She was blessed to attend the Freedom Conference. It was life changing for her and our marriage.

  Fast forward to December 2024, God continues to work for our good. We are planning on starting 2025 in another state.  We will be close to my wife's parents and grandmother. God is bringing me back to a corporate level position. While these events are blessings, they are like icing on the cake.

  God has given us true freedom this year. Freedom from fear and failures of life. We do not rejoice in our failures or faults, but we rejoice in the forgiveness and mercy we have received.

  We have been blessed to share our story with you. Our prayer for anyone reading this is simple. "God, we don't know what our brother or sister faces today. We lift them up to You in loving prayer and ask You for the Freedom You poured out to us, to cover them."

In the love of our Savior,

Anthony and Amy Smith

No weapon formed against you shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17