Christ--My Shepherd; the Local Churches--My Pasture, Mark Herr

After 14 years of empty, lifeless religion and seven years of living fully in the rotten, corrupt world, I came to an end in January 1996. The life I had lived up to that point was out of control and a complete mess. If I could not control my life with its destiny then who could? What was the purpose of living in the midst of a seemingly unstoppable chaos? Why do people end up dissatisfied with life? At the time, a medical condition left me unemployable, a delicate surgery necessitated rest and inactivity, and my parent's home was essentially empty except for the Recovery Version of the New Testament Bible (with footnotes by Witness Lee) on their coffee table.

I read every day, for 8-10 hours over several months, stopping only for meals, to use the restroom, and to sleep. I could not put the Bible down, Witness Lee introduced to me such a wonderful Person named Jesus Christ in the verses and through the footnotes. I had never been introduced to such a Christ like this before not in religion, the world, or even in history books. There is no one like Him in history. How could a king be a slave and a slave be a king at the same time? Only Christ could be such a Person!

I became very attracted to this Person. It became easy to call His name and talk to Him. I very much appreciated Him taking the time to visit me in such a pitiful condition. Everything was fine in His presence. I did not care for my poor situation. I only wanted to be around Him, and to be near Him. I never had this kind of experience in the world of religion.

As I read through the Bible, I realized my need to meet with the local churches. No one told me to do this. My inward experience matched what I was enjoying in the Bible. It was easy, I began meeting with the local church in April of 1996.

My experience with the local churches, whether it was in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Nashville, Denver, Spokane, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, Tampa, Houston, Dunn Loring, or Apopka, Florida, was the same. Christ was expressed in each locality. I was amazed. The believers in each local church received me with simplicity and with open homes. In their fellowship with me they ministered more of the same Christ I was enjoying through the Bible.

I thank the Lord for Witness Lee and for raising up the local churches. Although I never met Witness Lee, he is the one who has helped and is still helping me to experience and enjoy the Lord Jesus Christ in a real and enjoyable way with the local church. Now I feel I can say I know the meaning and destiny of my life and Who is in control of all things and where I will end up. I am more than satisfied with Christ as Life!