Roger

This is the testimony of Roger Richardson. Since writing this letter, he has reconciled with his family and has been staying with his father in Mason while battling his health problems. He has been a dedicated volunteer serving at the Healing Center, and outreaching to the poor and homeless. He has surrendered his life to Christ and is ready for whatever comes next. At this time, Roger is in the hospital with heart failure.

When I was growing up in Mason, Ohio, I was being raised by two common but very loving parents. They tried to instill in me good vales and send me to church. I started out at Landmark Baptist temple. I was not mature enough to understand the words of the bible. But it is amazing how much you were taught in bible school that actually sinks in as you grow older.

As an adult I backslid and chose the wrong path and forgot my roots. I got into drugs that totally took me over. I not only let myself down, but destroyed my relationship with my own family. By the time I quit the drugs, it was too late for the damage I had already done to my body. It remains to be seen whether my family and I can repair the damage that I’ve done.

I’ve had a total of eight heart attacks, a 5-way bypass and 10 stints in my heart. I had open-heart surgery on May 2, 2008. I died on the table four times, but God saw fit to let them bring me back every time. I think that God wants me to tell my story so that maybe someone else won’t hurt themselves or their family.

I know when I died on that table God was just giving me a preview of the afterlife because it was the most peaceful, totally encompassing feeling I’ve ever had. I have no fear of dying now that I know what my Creator has in store for me. I thank Jesus for dying on the cross for us and making a pathway to heaven for me.

I hope these few words will help someone find their way. I can’t put into words the way I feel about myself and my relationship with God now. But what I can tell you is this is the happiest time of my life. God Bless.