"The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city…"

Psalms 52:8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

I want to thank the Lord for the testimony He has established in my life through Christ Independent Baptist Church.

I was saved at the age of eight. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the advantage of a solid local church influence in my life. As I grew into my teen years, I grew more and more confused and rebellious. I eventually ran away from home, and found myself in foster care.

In 1988 I was 15 years old. In December of that year, the Lord moved my foster mother to suggest a trip to visit my parents in Philadelphia. Little did I know, God had greater designs for me than just a simple Christmas time visit with my parents.

To make a long story short, my parents had joined a Baptist church in Philadelphia. While visiting with them, I attended Christ Independent Baptist Church. The Lord griped my heart that evening service. For the first time since my early childhood I KNEW the clear conviction of the Spirit of God. That night I understood that the Lord wanted me to get right with Him and with my parents!

After getting right and returning to my parent’s home, immediately, I became active in the church. Through the teen group, bus ministry, and jr. church ministries, I began to serve the Lord and walk with Him the best I knew how. God used mightily the faithful preaching of Pastor Dennis Higgins and the faithful mentoring of my youth pastor, Pastor John Raeside in my life during that time. It was November 1989 that the Lord called me to be a pastor during a special meeting with the late Dr. Bob Brennan at C.I.B.C.

In all the years since, I have never questioned the fact that the Lord called me to serve Him as a pastor, nor the truth that He had “fitly framed” me together as a member of Christ Independent Baptist Church. I am thankful for all the experiences the Lord has allowed me to have as I have served Him here in so many capacities. I am likewise thankful for the faithfulness of Pastor Victor Rivera, the man who pastored me and Christ Independent for 18 years. I can truly say, “…I am like a green olive tree in the house of God…”

This is a very personal experience!

“…I am like a green olive tree in the house of God…”

God has made it a prosperous and flourishing experience!

“…I am like a green olive tree in the house of God…”

God has truly planted my life and ministry!

“…I am like a green olive tree in the house of God…”

The end of that verse says ” I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.”  I am very aware of, and thankful for the mercy and grace of my God in my life.  I trust that He will continue this grace and mercy as I continue to serve Him!

–Pastor David Peterman