Nina Filler
Salvation Experience
I have early memories of going to church with my mother. These memories were during World War II in Europe. I remember hiding in a ditch during an air raid as we walked to church.
As a teenager in post-war Germany my family attended a Lutheran church. In 1948, I was attending a youth fellowship outreach group by the Christian and Missionary Alliance. These missionaries from Canada held bible teaching Sunday school classes and fellowship activities. It was during this period of time that my mother, Magdalena, accepted Jesus as her Lord and began a lifetime of growing in study and discipleship. Through these missionaries I came to attend a summer camp. On July 27th, 1953 I accepted Jesus as my savior at summer camp in the Harz mountains. Years later, I was baptized by Mark Teyler in the Jordan river. During these formative times as a young adult and a young believer I remember teaching on the importance of knowing that God was always watching what we do and what we say. God is also listening to our prayers and it is never too early to begin praying for my future husband. I spent two years as a teen in confirmation classes where we would memorize entire chapters of Scripture. Much of this is still an impact even years later, having a foundation of God’s word that is always there to draw upon. I grew up hearing and loving classic hymns, the beautiful words and melodies that are always with you in times of joy and apprehension. One or two lines from a beloved hymn can lead to hours of personal praise. I am grateful for the early foundation in Scripture and hymn worship that I received when still a youth.
I came to the United States when I was 18-years of age. My family was sponsored by a Lutheran Church in San Leandro and after a lengthy 3-year process we came through New York Harbor and flew to our new home in California. I did pray for my future husband and was blessed that God had a wonderful man chosen for me in the US. We were married for 35 wonderful years where my priorities were my husband and then my children. With the demands of a young family it was difficult to find the time and closeness I wanted with the Lord. I would often remember a song from my youth group days and its line to “give of your best to the Lord”. I wanted to do more and what I could do should be my best. After 35 years of marriage the Lord took my husband home after a sudden and quick illness. During this tough time, I read over and over Lamentations 3:21-23, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end: they are new every morning: great is your faithfulness”. God’s mercies are new and refreshing now and every morning because He is faithful. It may hurt right now but God is present and bringing newness.
I grew much closer to the Lord in this time of transition and began another season as a caregiver to my aging mother with dementia. My 501 mission-statement was “to serve the Lord with a joyful heart”. During this demanding stage I needed the constant reminder to be patient and joyful, especially on challenging days where there was little patience to be found. Joy does not come from circumstances but from times of closeness with the Lord. “Softly and Tenderly” Jesus is always calling us closer to him. During all of life’s seasons and stages I can say “Thank you Lord for saving my soul”, for always being faithful to me.
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