Testimony Archives
Douglas King
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ reached my family in 1897 when my grandfather Henry King trusted the Savior. This was a result of the testimony of his sister who returned home from Toronto. Later he was baptized and received into the Waverley Assembly of Christians, near Midland, Ontario.
My father Alston, was saved in 1928 through the preaching of Mr. William Bunting of Northern Ireland. He also was baptized and received into the Hiawatha Assembly in Drake, Saskatchewan.
My mother Elizabeth Runnalls had a great uncle, Luke Martin, who preached among Methodists. I have his hymn book dated 1877. My mother was saved in 1931 through a children's work and Bible studies in the home of John Sutherland in North Edmonton. In that same year she also was baptized and received into the 97th Street Assembly in Edmonton. (When she was called to glory in 2013 - in her 100th year - she had been in continuous fellowship in the same Assembly for 82 years). My parents were married on July 15, 1942 and made their home in South Edmonton.
I was born in June 1943 the first of five children. My earliest recollections were of my mother praying, singing and reading the scriptures to us, especially at bedtime. We always attended Sunday School, my first teacher was, Miss Eva Rutley. Soon I became aware of my sin and need of God's salvation. However it was not until I was about 6 years old that the Spirit of God convicted me of my true need. Mr. Brown, a missionary from Africa, came to the Assembly and his gospel message touched my heart and I became troubled and concerned about my soul. The Monday evening he had a meeting on his work in Africa. It was very interesting and even adventurous to a young boy, but it was not what I wanted. I remember how disappointed, helpless and alone I felt. Every Sunday school lesson and gospel meeting would speak to my heart. However, I could not grasp the believe in the "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved". I was confused and concerned and there were times when I wished that I had never been born or died when I was younger. I also wondered if I was one that would never be saved - after all God knows all things, the future and my sin.
One Lord's Day, in late 1950, Mr. Charles Willoughby from Northern Ireland, who lived in Edmonton and served the Lord on the Prairies, spoke in the gospel. That evening, the Spirit of God spoke to my heart like never before. I knew the issue of my salvation had to be settled. I attempted to talk to him each Sunday, but would back thinking next Sunday. Finally I asked my father to take me to him as I wanted to be saved. It was not long and I was sitting on Mr.Willoughby's knee at the back of the 97th Street Gospel Hall. He again told me the gospel story how the Lord Jesus died for me on the cross and suffered for my sin. He quoted verse after verse then finally said that even a child could be saved as Jesus had said "suffer little children, to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 19:14).
That was it!
I couldn't understand "believe", but "come" I could. There was peace and forgiveness in my heart, that was Sunday, January 21, 1951. I remember the joy of telling my mother and my Sunday School teacher, Miss Thelma Kipp her face just lit up. Over the years through doubts, trials, temptations and the privilege of serving the Lord for many years the Lord's goodness and faithfulness has always been present. His grace and peace flow like a river glorious.
"Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace" -- John 1:16
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" -- Matthew 11:28
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ reached my family in 1897 when my grandfather Henry King trusted the Savior. This was a result of the testimony of his sister who returned home from Toronto. Later he was baptized and received into the Waverley Assembly of Christians, near Midland, Ontario.
My father Alston, was saved in 1928 through the preaching of Mr. William Bunting of Northern Ireland. He also was baptized and received into the Hiawatha Assembly in Drake, Saskatchewan.
My mother Elizabeth Runnalls had a great uncle, Luke Martin, who preached among Methodists. I have his hymn book dated 1877. My mother was saved in 1931 through a children's work and Bible studies in the home of John Sutherland in North Edmonton. In that same year she also was baptized and received into the 97th Street Assembly in Edmonton. (When she was called to glory in 2013 - in her 100th year - she had been in continuous fellowship in the same Assembly for 82 years). My parents were married on July 15, 1942 and made their home in South Edmonton.
I was born in June 1943 the first of five children. My earliest recollections were of my mother praying, singing and reading the scriptures to us, especially at bedtime. We always attended Sunday School, my first teacher was, Miss Eva Rutley. Soon I became aware of my sin and need of God's salvation. However it was not until I was about 6 years old that the Spirit of God convicted me of my true need. Mr. Brown, a missionary from Africa, came to the Assembly and his gospel message touched my heart and I became troubled and concerned about my soul. The Monday evening he had a meeting on his work in Africa. It was very interesting and even adventurous to a young boy, but it was not what I wanted. I remember how disappointed, helpless and alone I felt. Every Sunday school lesson and gospel meeting would speak to my heart. However, I could not grasp the believe in the "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved". I was confused and concerned and there were times when I wished that I had never been born or died when I was younger. I also wondered if I was one that would never be saved - after all God knows all things, the future and my sin.
One Lord's Day, in late 1950, Mr. Charles Willoughby from Northern Ireland, who lived in Edmonton and served the Lord on the Prairies, spoke in the gospel. That evening, the Spirit of God spoke to my heart like never before. I knew the issue of my salvation had to be settled. I attempted to talk to him each Sunday, but would back thinking next Sunday. Finally I asked my father to take me to him as I wanted to be saved. It was not long and I was sitting on Mr.Willoughby's knee at the back of the 97th Street Gospel Hall. He again told me the gospel story how the Lord Jesus died for me on the cross and suffered for my sin. He quoted verse after verse then finally said that even a child could be saved as Jesus had said "suffer little children, to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 19:14).
That was it!
I couldn't understand "believe", but "come" I could. There was peace and forgiveness in my heart, that was Sunday, January 21, 1951. I remember the joy of telling my mother and my Sunday School teacher, Miss Thelma Kipp her face just lit up. Over the years through doubts, trials, temptations and the privilege of serving the Lord for many years the Lord's goodness and faithfulness has always been present. His grace and peace flow like a river glorious.
"Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace" -- John 1:16
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" -- Matthew 11:28