Sharon Breedlove
Salvation Experience
I was an 8th grader when the big blue bus came from Oakland to San Lorenzo because a girl down the street had invited me to the NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH! It actually picked both of us up at our house. That was 59 years ago! At an evening service, I learned what Jesus did! I loved Him for what He did. I didn't know much more about Him than that (He loved me, and that's all I knew!) I gave my testimony from the stage with Paul Travis. It was simply that I felt a hole in my heart without Him. I was emotional when baptized shortly after by Kenneth Backlund before he left to start another Neighborhood Church in Chico. That was publicly my first step of obedience. Ken Backlund, Don Larmour, Ed Harris (senior) led our teaching, membership outreach, ski trips, etc.
When the church moved to Castro Valley it got a new name of Cathedral at the Crossroads. The church sent a bus to Basic Youth Conflicts (Institute in Life Principles) to San Jose for a week-long seminar where I learned that man has a Spirit, Soul and Body. The Spirit (God-consciousness), The Soul (Mind, will and emotions) and the Body (flesh). I also learned that SIN IS ANYTHING THAT SEPARATES YOU FROM GOD! I soon learned that circumstances may not be appointed but allowed! God orchestrates and is is sovereign. The first doubt and question with my faith came from a crime against me that I lived through. Afterwards, I bought a snub-nosed 38 caliber revolver (shot hollow bullets - left a large hole as it exited. Sargeant Agler (homicide) explained that I shouldn't point the gun unless I planned to empty it. I was ready to kill anyone that attacked! Where was God? I figured that He didn't love me. I felt empty. But God was faithful. He showed me the way through Paul Travis, Eleanor, and Leland Todd. He taught me to listen (hear) and learn regardless of what I felt. God took care of having the right people at just the right time. I learned at a communion service (held on the floor, large circle, sung acapella, and cried). Paul said it was good to be so tender before The Lord.
Wanting to serve Him, I joined Charlotte Bellig with the little ones (on the "story rug") and then Ethel Fix and Millie Story took care of my teaching needs. I was seeking with my whole heart and needed to learn more. God involved me.
At the Welfare Department (Oakland), where I read the Living Bible through, Psalms 18 became very dear to me...."When I was weakest they attacked...(through verse 19)...for He delights in me. I learned that knowledge "puffs up" where true wisdom comes only from God. I I wanted to see the world through God's Eyes. A wise man, Albert Einstein, said: "I want to know God's thoughts - the rest are details"
My name was Sharon McKnight until 1978 when Paul Travis married John and I at the 1st Presbyterian church (Our church was busy with Christmas) I became Sharon Breedlove and John and I had 2 sons. We dedicated both to God (at ceremony at church where the entire congregation prayed for them and their future). Both boys came up through Redwood Christian Schools and wanted to reach others for Jesus Christ. They were 9 years apart in age. Matthew, our eldest, earned his way to Hong Kong and China as a Royal Servant with Reign Ministries. Elijah earned a scholarship to The Hope Home in Calcutta, INDIA where he taught English (and some math) for over a year! When the boys finished their around the world trips, Elijah stayed in India at The Hope Home. Matthew returned to the Hope Home with Impact Ministries and became close to Dev Sarker, the founder. Matthew, his wife Debbie and twin daughters (now 7 yrs old) Lexi and Anya found a no abortion country (there are only 6) with a storybook river house where they are learning to serve God. Now, in my 70's (60 years at Neighborhood) I have survived multiple surgeries, Cancer, Stroke, Raped, Robbed and Burgled 9 times. God never left me...did not forsake me (It was orchestrated by God, all part of His redemptive plan to further His Kingdom)
Now I am the dishwasher for the WIT (Woman in Touch) luncheons outreach for missions. Then I get to serve them (hostess) and collect written prayers and praises that are then sent to WIA (Woman in Action) where ladies fellowship and trim used postage stamps for missions and pray over the WIT needs.
Key Scripture
Advice and scriptures for the next generation Since God is with us always, He deserves our attention. Include Him in all your conversations....don't leave Him alone, which brings me to a favorite verse:
I Thessalonians 5:16 “Rejoice Always!”
I Thess. 5:17 “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING “
I Thess. 5:18 “In everything give thanks!”
Philippians 4:8 taught me what was permitted to think about...."Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” “Greater love hath no man but that he lay down his life for his friend.”
We love God by loving others. God will take care of loving us. We all have different gifts but all are "Others Minded." My adult needs were brought into focus through the Challengers Class and Alfred Monk (Butch) who I sensed loved God with all of his heart. He spoke my language and continues today with my eternal gratitude for his faithfulness to the truth. (I will make it plain to you if you fully obey the truth you have.)
God is not willing that any should perish. He gave His Son to absorb our sins on the cross. What more could He have done?
The Fellowship of the Unashamed
I am part of the “Fellowship of the Unashamed”. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple Jesus Christ.
I won’t look back, ley up, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until Heaven returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of salvation to everyone that believes, the Jew first and also to the Greek.” - Rom 1:16
If you are a senior and would like to submit your testimony, we invite you to contact us for details on how you can participate. We would love to include your story!
