Your Stories!
We at Judgement House are always excited to hear from you for any reason, but hearing the stories of how Judgement House has impacted you, your family, or your community of faith is the best reason of all. Below you'll find some of the stories we've received. Thanks to all of you who have written in so far. If you haven't had a chance to tell us your story, we'd love to hear it.
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First Name: Josh
State: Virginia
My Story...: This is a very long story, but I'll start where things matter. I was reassigned to Altus Air Force Base in Altus Oklahoma. I arrived in Altus OK on August 2nd 1993. My report date was August 3rd. I stopped by the local Long John Silver's for lunch. I was wearing a Christian T-Shirt. A lady in line behind me, told me about First Baptist Church. That kinda floored me, because before I left Colorado Springs, people there were telling me about FBC Altus. So, after lunch I took a drive downtown and scouted out FBC. I came to church that following Sunday. I joined the church that same Sunday by statement of faith.
That night, they announced they were having a meeting for anyone interested in a new drama they were going to be doing called "Judgement House."
I attended the meeting and then was told to come the following Saturday for try-outs. The director Marth Becerra upon hearing my voice, cast me in the role of God. As I was reading the script, I fell under conviction because people just like myself were going to Hell and not Heaven. Billy Irions another drama leader was asking me what was bothering me, I just kept telling him nothing.
Then, the pastor was preaching a sermon on Hell and I could take no more. I came down front and made an appointment to talk with him in his office.
On September 15th 1993 at 2pm in the afternoon, I met with Pastor Keith Wiginton in his office. He led me to Jesus. I literally floated out of his office.
Had it not been for Judgement House, I probably would have kept wearing the mask I had on for a very long time. As a result, my life was forever changed.
Praise be to God for working through Tom and Judgement House.
May God continue to bless this ministry.
First Name: Crystal
State: Kansas
My Story...: A few years ago I was a youth group leader at a local church. I heard about Judgement House and decided to take our youth group. I talked to a few of my friends and they agreed to help me out as shaparones. That night the house had a theme about kids getting into a car accident. The church we went to was in Wichita and the accident scene looked so real. There was even a real ambulance. The actors who cried shed real tears. But it was not until we met the actor that portrayed Jesus did I realize how much the Holy Spirit had played a role in all we had seen. Jesus walked up to each one of us and had a private message. To my friend he said "I know how much you love your wife and how hard you are trying and I honor that" my friend had marital problems and had been working very hard on his marriage. To me he said "You have no idea what it means that you brought all these people here tonight". There was no way that actor could have known that I was the one who brought that group there. Our questionaire did not even address such topics. When we returned to the church we all sat in the hallway and each gave our testimony of what "Jesus" had said to us. We all knew that the Holy Spirit had given that young message to give to each of us. It was the closest I have ever come to looking into my savior's eyes. A few in our group excepted Jesus that night and there is no doubt in my mind that they will never forget Him.
First Name: Gary
State: KY
My Story...: My church The Potters's House Baptist Worship Center has had 4 or 5 Judgement House presentations I have played characters, help build props and helped with registration. One year one of my granddaughters was saved, PRAISE THE LORD a really special time in my life. I have seen several people saved and several lives changed. We always have ours around (halloween) I don't like to use that word. One year we used the local high school, something most places don't have the previlege. Some people thought it was a haunted house they showed up drinking, our people put some security people with them, everything went well. The next year guess who was the first people in line, it was the men that was drinking the previous year and they had their families. That goes to show how God can use bad situations and good can come out of it. If our people had told them to leave because they were drinking they might not have brought their families the next year. We have already had people outside of our church asking if we were going to have Judgement House this year. We usually have about 1500 to go through in four nights. It is exhausting but it has always been worth it each and every time. Thank God for laying Judgement House on someones heart and for them following his call.
Thank You and May God Bless each and everyone involved in Judgement House.
First Name: Fletcher
State: AL
My Story...: I have been involved with Judgement House for the last 14 years. During this time, I have seen God work many miracles through the efforts of the many churches working in Judgement House. I have personally been involved in the counseling part of Judgement House. I have seen God restore marriages, mend relationships with children and parents, heal in abusive relationships, renew lives to serve the Lord and last but not least, save souls. There has been all ages come to the Lord; from 7 years old to 87 years old.
Two salvation experiences remain alive to me even after many years. One happened when we did Judgement House in the old Gaylords building. A man came in and you could tell he had been drinking. By the time he went through the house, he had sobered up, was under conviction and asked Jesus into his heart. He left Judgement House and went back to the bar where his buddies were and told them what had happened. He then brought them to go through Judgement House. This was truly a miracle I was privileged to see.
Another time a woman came and went through the drama and received Jesus as Lord and Savior. She confessed to being a prostitute. She left saved and for the next 3 nights went out on the streets and brought other prostitutes and neighborhood people to Judgement House. Approximately 100 people came because of her witness about what Jesus had done in her life.
Those two were examples of people who allowed Jesus to change their lives, their future and their eternity. God has never in 14 years failed to bless Judgement House.
First Name: Jonathan
State: AL
My Story...: I have worked in Judgement House since I was 15 years old. I am now 21 and am looking forward to September and October with much excitement. My youth group at Liberty Baptist Church is also pumped up about doing Judgement House once again.
When I was 15 years old, I was the youngest guide at Judgement House. Normally only adults are allowed to guide. I was excited to take groups through the house (which was actually at Ridgecrest) and watch the awesome change from the first scene to the last. If you have never guided a group through Judgement House, you have missed a blessing. I watched people goof off and play around in the first scene, but when we came to the Judgement scene, all that changed. When God called their name, the sudden realization that, one day that could be them began to sink in. They were fearful in Hell, but when Jesus wrapped his arms around them in heaven, God really began dealing with their hearts. Some would shy away from Jesus. Some would run and embrace him. Some would cling to him, weeping and needing salvation.
I guided for two years and acted 1 year, but the last 2 years I have played Jesus. It has been a tremendous blessing, but also a tremendous burden. To see so many come through Judgement House and reach out for Jesus is an awesome sight. However, to watch those that refuse to accept Christ is burdensome and heart-rending. It is also a daunting and humbling task to portray the Lord Jesus Christ. The first few times I did it, I felt like an impostor, a pretender. I was unworthy to even pretend to be Jesus.
However, through playing Jesus in Judgement House, I have come to understand what living the Christian life means. It is not about perfection, but living a life that exhibits grace and love. We show the world Gods grace by admitting our mistakes and our need for forgiveness in Jesus Christ. We reveal Gods love in how we accept a person in their sin and loving them enough not to let them stay that way. We reveal the Good News in the way we live our everyday lives.
I am looking forward to Judgement House 2007 and what God will show me through it. It is not just a ministry to others, but a training ground for evangelism and discipleship. It is a chance to come together with brothers and sisters in Christ from different churches and denominations for the common goal of advancing and growing the Kingdom of God. Where will you serve?
First Name: Gene
State: AL
My Story...: JUDGEMENT HOUSE
Let me start by saying that I am not one of those people who gets involved. If not for some pushing, would never have agreed to get near Judgement House.
Since the first time Bethel took charge I have been involved from start to finish. It's a huge task to take on; but with God and a group of sold out Christians, it happens!
The first year I worked I had the chance to meet a young man in a wheel chair. He was fourteen years old, very small and looked fragile but he had a spirit about him that was infectious. When he smiled, you not only saw it, you felt it.
I had the honor of being his escort through Judgement House. When he reached the Hell scene, it was not wheel chari accessible. He asked me if I would carry him. I picked him up and continued on. After that was the heaven scene. It was upstairs, so up we went. I can't explain the feeling I got watching him sing softly the words to "I Can Only Imagine" while carrying him into that scene.
Don't miss out on a chance to do a little for God. You will reap more than you sew. There's a blessing every year and I wouldn't miss it!
First Name: Susan
State: AL
My Story...: The first time I went to Judgement House was in 1994. Ridgecrest was in charge of the production at this time. I took my son, Dustin who was 10 years old at the time. When he came out, he said to me, Man, that was scary! Even though I kind of laughed I thought to myself, people need to be afraid. The day of Judgement is no laughing matter. So, I think the concept of Judgement House is to put that into perspective for those who are without Christ.
I have been a counselor at JH the last two years that Bethel has sponsored the production of Judgement House. Through God, I have been able to lead several people to Christ; most of them teenagers.
One night it was close to 11:00 and I was so tired. But after I counseled a 15 year old girl who received Christ with tears in her eyes and a transformed look of peace on her face, I felt like I could go all night! I walked her outside to join the rest of her group and she shouted to them I GOT SAVED!!
The feeling I have gotten from experiences like the one above is indescribable except to say I know in my heart that this was what God wanted me to do.
First Name: Johnny
State: AL
My Story...: My work requires me to travel almost constantly so when my son and wife first started working with Judgment House I was not involved. I thought of it as just another youth project until I saw the excitement on their faces and in their conversations. I was a little envious of the enjoyment but I did not see a way to be involved because of my work. When by chance I was home one weeknight during the second year they participated, I decided to go see just what the excitement was about. I volunteered to do whatever needed doing and was asked to take a part in security. After just a few hours, there was a need for guides to carry groups through the drama. I did not know exactly what was needed but took on the roll of back guide/prayer walker. I learned this job entailed hurrying the groups along and spending the time in each scene praying for the group, the ones presenting the drama and others involved as God led me. Watching members of the groups come under conviction as the drama progressed made me realize the value of a non-traditional way of presenting the Gospel. This was not just another youth project. This was witnessing to people that otherwise might never come to Church to hear Gods Plan of Salvation. I had not been able to be home for an entire week in years but God worked it out to allow me to participate the entire week. I WAS HOOKED! I could not wait for the next presentation to come round.
The next year I volunteered to guide again. The experience was great! But God had another experience and time of growth waiting for me. After guiding a group through the drama, we came to a time of Appeals. There was not enough Counselors for the number of people requesting someone to pray with them. I knew counseling was not my gift and I stood trembling knowing God was leading me to take the step I had always feared most. I have always been willing to use the gifts I have but never trusted God to qualify me to do every Christians assigned task of sharing the Salvation Plan. I stood waiting for a counselor to come for this young girl until I knew I had to step up to the task assigned to me by God or I could not call myself a Christian. This was hard to admit to myself and even harder to write on paper. Here I was a Believer, a Christian, even a Deacon and struggling to share the greatest of Gifts. Yes, I shed more tears than Sylvia but God directed my words when I allowed Him to be in charge. I ONLY THOUGHT I WAS HOOKED BEFORE.
The following year the sponsoring church decided to no longer do Judgment House. I was devastated. Who would take this mission up so we could be a part of it? Bethel was not big enough to take on a project this size! This mission surely was not to die now! No budget, no experience with this kind of project, no Youth Minister at church at this time to manage the mission as the other church had done, no -------, no-------, no----------.
Who would ever think that a small group of men at a hunting camp would have a burden for this Ministry to continue? Who would ever think local business men would donate the needed funds. Where would an available building be located; surely not way out in Cottonwood? Who would ever think ALL age groups of a church would come together with like minds. Seniors supplying food for the workers, Brotherhood constructing sets, all ages presenting drama, people discovering they could counsel, all ages parking cars, and people working side by side doing whatever job or task was needed.
2007 will be our 4th Judgement House. Praise God!
First Name: Beverly
State: AL
My Story...: I first heard of Judgement House in 2000. The Bethel youth group went to see the drama and I went with them as a chaperone. The next year our youth group began actively working in Judgement House with Ridgecrest. My son was part of Bethels youth group and wanted to be a part of this effort. Since he did not drive, I took him to a guide meeting.
Guides escort the groups through the drama and tie each scene together. They really get a blessing as they see people go from a casual interest or none at all to conviction and many times salvation. Guides also have lines to memorize, so not many people are drawn to this area. But there is also what is called a Back Guide. They help the guides move the people from scene to scene and help with any problems that might occur as the group goes through. I decided I could help do this since I would not have to say anything.
One night there was a great influx of people and not enough guides. I was asked to guide a group through. I could not say no when there was such a need so I did it. I was certainly nervous, but did it anyway and thoroughly enjoyed it. I continued to guide the next two years.
In 2003 Bethel took over the sponsoring of Judgement House. I had worked with Judgement House long enough to realize it was a monumental task and told my husband, who was one of the ones who felt led to take it on, that I just wasnt sure we could do it. I was right too! WE couldnt ourselves but God could through us and thats what weve been able to do ever since. It is a monumental task but God has given us the resources in people and finances each time we have done it and allowed us to witness the harvest for his kingdom.
Since 2003 I have worked in the registration area which organizes the people into groups as they come to Judgement House. This has really been an experience. As we have done Judgement House for three years, we have been able to learn as we go and make it better and easier. I am regularly amazed how God takes so many people and makes Judgement House the witnessing tool it is.
Judgement House is such a blessing as we Go therefore and make disciples. It is my prayer that many others can be a part of this ministry for Christ.
First Name: Dyann
State: Missouri
My Story...: Our very first year of doing Judgement House- we were at a new church that had just called me to be the youth pastor and my husband to be the activities director. We knew God was calling us to put on this drama presentation and we were excited. We got everything ready and everything went great. We had several people coming and many were making decisions for Christ.
Our first year we decided to make the very last night on a very rainy Halloween. It was our worst attended night. Not knowing what to expect I just coasted through the night checking on all of the different rooms and constantly checking on the registration area. Toward the end of the evening our Superintendant of Schools walked through the door with his daughter.
Come to find out his daughter and some of her friends were suppose to come and view Judgement House that night, but the other girls had not made it. The father and daughter team decided to come on out. They went through and BOTH made a first time decision for Christ. He went home and got his wife and she came through too.
His family became actively involved in our church, he has taken on leadership responsiblity and his daughter is a leader in young life.
First Name: Rickey
State: TN.
My Story...: I want to say working with the Judgement House last year was one of the most awesome experiences I have ever had . Seeing over 55 decisions made for the Lord was fantastic.
First Name: Dana
State: MS
My Story...: My husband and children had been involved in Judgment House for a year or so.I had been holding back and making excuses because I was afraid they would ask me to act or do other things that make me unconfortable. Two weeks before JH our preacher preached on commitment and how we should do what God calls us to do and that he would give us what we need to do these things. At the end of service I went forward and prayed with my preacher and ask God to use me to do His will. I then contacted our JH person and told her I wanted to be a part of JH in any form that I was needed.
JH time came around and I was ask to notify the people on the second floor when people were coming through. I was given a walkie talkie and when a group was in the last scene on the 1st floor they would let me know and I would let the actors know to get in place and be ready.
A group came through and in the group were my mom and dad, my mother had been attending and had joined the church 3 or 4 years before this, but the last time I remember my dad being in church was for a funeral.I was pretty sure my dad was not saved and had been praying that he would start attending church and that God would lead him from there.
The group finished and went back downstairs to go to the counseling room and I continued on with my duties. A few minutes later one of the directors called me on the walkie talkie to tell me my dad had been saved!!!!!
What a blessing I received by doing God's will and making a commitment to Him.
I encourage everyone to pray and make a commitment to Him. GOD ANSEWERS PRAYERS!!!!!
First Name: Norma
State: Oklanoma
My Story...: I am a true believer in using JH as a tool to reach people for Christ. We have presented JH many times at Altus FBC and I have gone on my Judgement House mission trips. You see people come to Christ that wouldn't normally do so. I have seen things from young teens taking off thier colors in a gang to grown adults professing Christ. I have met some nice people and made some really good friends from being a part of the JH legacy. God is AWESOME!!
First Name: Josh
State: Virginia
My Story...: This is a very long story, but I'll start where things matter. I was reassigned to Altus Air Force Base in Altus Oklahoma. I arrived in Altus OK on August 2nd 1993. My report date was August 3rd. I stopped by the local Long John Silver's for lunch. I was wearing a Christian T-Shirt. A lady in line behind me, told me about First Baptist Church. That kinda floored me, because before I left Colorado Springs, people there were telling me about FBC Altus. So, after lunch I took a drive downtown and scouted out FBC. I came to church that following Sunday. I joined the church that same Sunday by statement of faith.
That night, they announced they were having a meeting for anyone interested in a new drama they were going to be doing called "Judgement House."
I attended the meeting and then was told to come the following Saturday for try-outs. The director Marth Becerra upon hearing my voice, cast me in the role of God. As I was reading the script, I fell under conviction because people just like myself were going to Hell and not Heaven. Billy Irions another drama leader was asking me what was bothering me, I just kept telling him nothing.
Then, the pastor was preaching a sermon on Hell and I could take no more. I came down front and made an appointment to talk with him in his office.
On September 15th 1993 at 2pm in the afternoon, I met with Pastor Keith Wiginton in his office. He led me to Jesus. I literally floated out of his office.
Had it not been for Judgement House, I probably would have kept wearing the mask I had on for a very long time. As a result, my life was forever changed.
Praise be to God for working through Tom and Judgement House.
May God continue to bless this ministry.
First Name: Crystal
State: Kansas
My Story...: A few years ago I was a youth group leader at a local church. I heard about Judgement House and decided to take our youth group. I talked to a few of my friends and they agreed to help me out as shaparones. That night the house had a theme about kids getting into a car accident. The church we went to was in Wichita and the accident scene looked so real. There was even a real ambulance. The actors who cried shed real tears. But it was not until we met the actor that portrayed Jesus did I realize how much the Holy Spirit had played a role in all we had seen. Jesus walked up to each one of us and had a private message. To my friend he said "I know how much you love your wife and how hard you are trying and I honor that" my friend had marital problems and had been working very hard on his marriage. To me he said "You have no idea what it means that you brought all these people here tonight". There was no way that actor could have known that I was the one who brought that group there. Our questionaire did not even address such topics. When we returned to the church we all sat in the hallway and each gave our testimony of what "Jesus" had said to us. We all knew that the Holy Spirit had given that young message to give to each of us. It was the closest I have ever come to looking into my savior's eyes. A few in our group excepted Jesus that night and there is no doubt in my mind that they will never forget Him.
First Name: Gary
State: KY
My Story...: My church The Potters's House Baptist Worship Center has had 4 or 5 Judgement House presentations I have played characters, help build props and helped with registration. One year one of my granddaughters was saved, PRAISE THE LORD a really special time in my life. I have seen several people saved and several lives changed. We always have ours around (halloween) I don't like to use that word. One year we used the local high school, something most places don't have the previlege. Some people thought it was a haunted house they showed up drinking, our people put some security people with them, everything went well. The next year guess who was the first people in line, it was the men that was drinking the previous year and they had their families. That goes to show how God can use bad situations and good can come out of it. If our people had told them to leave because they were drinking they might not have brought their families the next year. We have already had people outside of our church asking if we were going to have Judgement House this year. We usually have about 1500 to go through in four nights. It is exhausting but it has always been worth it each and every time. Thank God for laying Judgement House on someones heart and for them following his call.
Thank You and May God Bless each and everyone involved in Judgement House.
First Name: Fletcher
State: AL
My Story...: I have been involved with Judgement House for the last 14 years. During this time, I have seen God work many miracles through the efforts of the many churches working in Judgement House. I have personally been involved in the counseling part of Judgement House. I have seen God restore marriages, mend relationships with children and parents, heal in abusive relationships, renew lives to serve the Lord and last but not least, save souls. There has been all ages come to the Lord; from 7 years old to 87 years old.
Two salvation experiences remain alive to me even after many years. One happened when we did Judgement House in the old Gaylords building. A man came in and you could tell he had been drinking. By the time he went through the house, he had sobered up, was under conviction and asked Jesus into his heart. He left Judgement House and went back to the bar where his buddies were and told them what had happened. He then brought them to go through Judgement House. This was truly a miracle I was privileged to see.
Another time a woman came and went through the drama and received Jesus as Lord and Savior. She confessed to being a prostitute. She left saved and for the next 3 nights went out on the streets and brought other prostitutes and neighborhood people to Judgement House. Approximately 100 people came because of her witness about what Jesus had done in her life.
Those two were examples of people who allowed Jesus to change their lives, their future and their eternity. God has never in 14 years failed to bless Judgement House.
First Name: Jonathan
State: AL
My Story...: I have worked in Judgement House since I was 15 years old. I am now 21 and am looking forward to September and October with much excitement. My youth group at Liberty Baptist Church is also pumped up about doing Judgement House once again.
When I was 15 years old, I was the youngest guide at Judgement House. Normally only adults are allowed to guide. I was excited to take groups through the house (which was actually at Ridgecrest) and watch the awesome change from the first scene to the last. If you have never guided a group through Judgement House, you have missed a blessing. I watched people goof off and play around in the first scene, but when we came to the Judgement scene, all that changed. When God called their name, the sudden realization that, one day that could be them began to sink in. They were fearful in Hell, but when Jesus wrapped his arms around them in heaven, God really began dealing with their hearts. Some would shy away from Jesus. Some would run and embrace him. Some would cling to him, weeping and needing salvation.
I guided for two years and acted 1 year, but the last 2 years I have played Jesus. It has been a tremendous blessing, but also a tremendous burden. To see so many come through Judgement House and reach out for Jesus is an awesome sight. However, to watch those that refuse to accept Christ is burdensome and heart-rending. It is also a daunting and humbling task to portray the Lord Jesus Christ. The first few times I did it, I felt like an impostor, a pretender. I was unworthy to even pretend to be Jesus.
However, through playing Jesus in Judgement House, I have come to understand what living the Christian life means. It is not about perfection, but living a life that exhibits grace and love. We show the world Gods grace by admitting our mistakes and our need for forgiveness in Jesus Christ. We reveal Gods love in how we accept a person in their sin and loving them enough not to let them stay that way. We reveal the Good News in the way we live our everyday lives.
I am looking forward to Judgement House 2007 and what God will show me through it. It is not just a ministry to others, but a training ground for evangelism and discipleship. It is a chance to come together with brothers and sisters in Christ from different churches and denominations for the common goal of advancing and growing the Kingdom of God. Where will you serve?
First Name: Gene
State: AL
My Story...: JUDGEMENT HOUSE
Let me start by saying that I am not one of those people who gets involved. If not for some pushing, would never have agreed to get near Judgement House.
Since the first time Bethel took charge I have been involved from start to finish. It's a huge task to take on; but with God and a group of sold out Christians, it happens!
The first year I worked I had the chance to meet a young man in a wheel chair. He was fourteen years old, very small and looked fragile but he had a spirit about him that was infectious. When he smiled, you not only saw it, you felt it.
I had the honor of being his escort through Judgement House. When he reached the Hell scene, it was not wheel chari accessible. He asked me if I would carry him. I picked him up and continued on. After that was the heaven scene. It was upstairs, so up we went. I can't explain the feeling I got watching him sing softly the words to "I Can Only Imagine" while carrying him into that scene.
Don't miss out on a chance to do a little for God. You will reap more than you sew. There's a blessing every year and I wouldn't miss it!
First Name: Susan
State: AL
My Story...: The first time I went to Judgement House was in 1994. Ridgecrest was in charge of the production at this time. I took my son, Dustin who was 10 years old at the time. When he came out, he said to me, Man, that was scary! Even though I kind of laughed I thought to myself, people need to be afraid. The day of Judgement is no laughing matter. So, I think the concept of Judgement House is to put that into perspective for those who are without Christ.
I have been a counselor at JH the last two years that Bethel has sponsored the production of Judgement House. Through God, I have been able to lead several people to Christ; most of them teenagers.
One night it was close to 11:00 and I was so tired. But after I counseled a 15 year old girl who received Christ with tears in her eyes and a transformed look of peace on her face, I felt like I could go all night! I walked her outside to join the rest of her group and she shouted to them I GOT SAVED!!
The feeling I have gotten from experiences like the one above is indescribable except to say I know in my heart that this was what God wanted me to do.
First Name: Johnny
State: AL
My Story...: My work requires me to travel almost constantly so when my son and wife first started working with Judgment House I was not involved. I thought of it as just another youth project until I saw the excitement on their faces and in their conversations. I was a little envious of the enjoyment but I did not see a way to be involved because of my work. When by chance I was home one weeknight during the second year they participated, I decided to go see just what the excitement was about. I volunteered to do whatever needed doing and was asked to take a part in security. After just a few hours, there was a need for guides to carry groups through the drama. I did not know exactly what was needed but took on the roll of back guide/prayer walker. I learned this job entailed hurrying the groups along and spending the time in each scene praying for the group, the ones presenting the drama and others involved as God led me. Watching members of the groups come under conviction as the drama progressed made me realize the value of a non-traditional way of presenting the Gospel. This was not just another youth project. This was witnessing to people that otherwise might never come to Church to hear Gods Plan of Salvation. I had not been able to be home for an entire week in years but God worked it out to allow me to participate the entire week. I WAS HOOKED! I could not wait for the next presentation to come round.
The next year I volunteered to guide again. The experience was great! But God had another experience and time of growth waiting for me. After guiding a group through the drama, we came to a time of Appeals. There was not enough Counselors for the number of people requesting someone to pray with them. I knew counseling was not my gift and I stood trembling knowing God was leading me to take the step I had always feared most. I have always been willing to use the gifts I have but never trusted God to qualify me to do every Christians assigned task of sharing the Salvation Plan. I stood waiting for a counselor to come for this young girl until I knew I had to step up to the task assigned to me by God or I could not call myself a Christian. This was hard to admit to myself and even harder to write on paper. Here I was a Believer, a Christian, even a Deacon and struggling to share the greatest of Gifts. Yes, I shed more tears than Sylvia but God directed my words when I allowed Him to be in charge. I ONLY THOUGHT I WAS HOOKED BEFORE.
The following year the sponsoring church decided to no longer do Judgment House. I was devastated. Who would take this mission up so we could be a part of it? Bethel was not big enough to take on a project this size! This mission surely was not to die now! No budget, no experience with this kind of project, no Youth Minister at church at this time to manage the mission as the other church had done, no -------, no-------, no----------.
Who would ever think that a small group of men at a hunting camp would have a burden for this Ministry to continue? Who would ever think local business men would donate the needed funds. Where would an available building be located; surely not way out in Cottonwood? Who would ever think ALL age groups of a church would come together with like minds. Seniors supplying food for the workers, Brotherhood constructing sets, all ages presenting drama, people discovering they could counsel, all ages parking cars, and people working side by side doing whatever job or task was needed.
2007 will be our 4th Judgement House. Praise God!
First Name: Beverly
State: AL
My Story...: I first heard of Judgement House in 2000. The Bethel youth group went to see the drama and I went with them as a chaperone. The next year our youth group began actively working in Judgement House with Ridgecrest. My son was part of Bethels youth group and wanted to be a part of this effort. Since he did not drive, I took him to a guide meeting.
Guides escort the groups through the drama and tie each scene together. They really get a blessing as they see people go from a casual interest or none at all to conviction and many times salvation. Guides also have lines to memorize, so not many people are drawn to this area. But there is also what is called a Back Guide. They help the guides move the people from scene to scene and help with any problems that might occur as the group goes through. I decided I could help do this since I would not have to say anything.
One night there was a great influx of people and not enough guides. I was asked to guide a group through. I could not say no when there was such a need so I did it. I was certainly nervous, but did it anyway and thoroughly enjoyed it. I continued to guide the next two years.
In 2003 Bethel took over the sponsoring of Judgement House. I had worked with Judgement House long enough to realize it was a monumental task and told my husband, who was one of the ones who felt led to take it on, that I just wasnt sure we could do it. I was right too! WE couldnt ourselves but God could through us and thats what weve been able to do ever since. It is a monumental task but God has given us the resources in people and finances each time we have done it and allowed us to witness the harvest for his kingdom.
Since 2003 I have worked in the registration area which organizes the people into groups as they come to Judgement House. This has really been an experience. As we have done Judgement House for three years, we have been able to learn as we go and make it better and easier. I am regularly amazed how God takes so many people and makes Judgement House the witnessing tool it is.
Judgement House is such a blessing as we Go therefore and make disciples. It is my prayer that many others can be a part of this ministry for Christ.
First Name: Dyann
State: Missouri
My Story...: Our very first year of doing Judgement House- we were at a new church that had just called me to be the youth pastor and my husband to be the activities director. We knew God was calling us to put on this drama presentation and we were excited. We got everything ready and everything went great. We had several people coming and many were making decisions for Christ.
Our first year we decided to make the very last night on a very rainy Halloween. It was our worst attended night. Not knowing what to expect I just coasted through the night checking on all of the different rooms and constantly checking on the registration area. Toward the end of the evening our Superintendant of Schools walked through the door with his daughter.
Come to find out his daughter and some of her friends were suppose to come and view Judgement House that night, but the other girls had not made it. The father and daughter team decided to come on out. They went through and BOTH made a first time decision for Christ. He went home and got his wife and she came through too.
His family became actively involved in our church, he has taken on leadership responsiblity and his daughter is a leader in young life.
First Name: Rickey
State: TN.
My Story...: I want to say working with the Judgement House last year was one of the most awesome experiences I have ever had . Seeing over 55 decisions made for the Lord was fantastic.
First Name: Dana
State: MS
My Story...: My husband and children had been involved in Judgment House for a year or so.I had been holding back and making excuses because I was afraid they would ask me to act or do other things that make me unconfortable. Two weeks before JH our preacher preached on commitment and how we should do what God calls us to do and that he would give us what we need to do these things. At the end of service I went forward and prayed with my preacher and ask God to use me to do His will. I then contacted our JH person and told her I wanted to be a part of JH in any form that I was needed.
JH time came around and I was ask to notify the people on the second floor when people were coming through. I was given a walkie talkie and when a group was in the last scene on the 1st floor they would let me know and I would let the actors know to get in place and be ready.
A group came through and in the group were my mom and dad, my mother had been attending and had joined the church 3 or 4 years before this, but the last time I remember my dad being in church was for a funeral.I was pretty sure my dad was not saved and had been praying that he would start attending church and that God would lead him from there.
The group finished and went back downstairs to go to the counseling room and I continued on with my duties. A few minutes later one of the directors called me on the walkie talkie to tell me my dad had been saved!!!!!
What a blessing I received by doing God's will and making a commitment to Him.
I encourage everyone to pray and make a commitment to Him. GOD ANSEWERS PRAYERS!!!!!
First Name: Norma
State: Oklanoma
My Story...: I am a true believer in using JH as a tool to reach people for Christ. We have presented JH many times at Altus FBC and I have gone on my Judgement House mission trips. You see people come to Christ that wouldn't normally do so. I have seen things from young teens taking off thier colors in a gang to grown adults professing Christ. I have met some nice people and made some really good friends from being a part of the JH legacy. God is AWESOME!!
