Lives Changed
Lives Changed At Dutch Valley
Harry & Vickie Kneisler
I am married to my wonderful wife, Vickie. We are a blended family with 7 grown children, 11 grandchildren and expecting 2 more later this year. When Vickie and I were dating we visited the churches her family attended. Holiday and special occasions were the norm for us at that time. Every time we visited her parent’s home I would receive a personal sermon from her father, Brother Creasman, and I noticed that his bible was open and he was studying. He impressed upon me the urgency of being saved and attending church regularly, also the importance of being married. Bro. Creasman would teach me from the Word (Bible), and ask if I was saved. I was originally saved in 1992, but was in a backslid condition. I ignored the Lord tugging on my heart at that time. Bro. Creasman and I grew closer day by day, and by the time I was ready to plead for forgiveness from God, it was too late, my friend, and father-in-law and mentor had went home to be with the Lord. Although he attended Dante Church of God, the memorial service was held at Dutch Valley. From the moment I walked into “Our Church” I felt a serene calmness come over me. There was a homey, welcome feeling about the church and congregation that I’d never felt before. After Bro. Creasman’s memorial service, I met Pastor Watson, which was like being reunited with a long lost friend. He was so easy to talk to! Not intimidating, just your best friend. I just had to have more of that! Vickie and I decided to visit Dutch Valley, and a couple of months later I worked up the courage to renew my life to the Lord and was then baptized. Then we wanted Dutch Valley to be our home church, and applied for membership. Since we have come to Dutch Valley, I have developed a closer relationship with God, my family and church family. With God’s help and encouragement from Pastor Watson and the congregation, I am now able to be the Spiritual Head of my family. Praising God, prayer, and bible study are now my first priorities. The opportunity to work in several ministries and attend Compass courses, along with Pastor Watson’s sermons and teaching, as well as Brother Don’s Sunday School Class keep me motivated. You can feel the Holy Spirit in our services, Sunday School and Compass class. Our church has treated us with love and Christian fellowship and we appreciate that. Since this change in my life, the Lord took away lung cancer from me. He touched my mind, and took me back one more time. He sent me a message through my granddaughter to “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”. He picked me up and put my feet on solid ground. He gives me peace and joy; he is my Provider, my life. My life, family, job and marriage are now in His hands. There is still a long way for me to go to be where God wants me to be. Now I have the strength and faith, that with Jesus’ help, I can accomplish anything. God is my everything!
Alicia Davis,
and son Robert
I am married, have two children, Robert who is 13 and David who is 7 years old. My Father has attended Dutch Valley Church of God for years. I haven’t been in church since I was 13 years old until he invited me to come. When we came with him, the church welcomed us in a way we had never experienced ~ we have been here ever since. Singing has always been my passion and now God has called me to sing His praises ~ I have the opportunity to sing in the Choir, Praise Team as well as sing solos. I am so thankful for this ministry. The Lord has done so many awesome things for me and my family. I have gone through many problems and trials in my marriage, but the Lord has given me strength and power to overcome those problems. I gave it all to Him; I have learned not to worry or be stressed because the Lord has big plans for me. This church is my home. I am surrounded by people who care for my family and are there for us. The Pastor and his wife are wonderful people who are truly called of God. It has now been three years since I first came to Dutch Valley and I’m so glad I did. I plan to be here for a long time.