Winter/Spring 2004
Facing Bench

2004 Publishers of Truth Essay Winners
Keeping it Simple: How Jesus Helps Me Live What I Believe

First Place Winner
Eric Woods
Grade 12 - Belmont, OH
East Richland Friends Church School

Living by beliefs is one of the most difficult things to do, especially when what we believe cannot be seen. When we do live the way God wants us to, however, Jesus rewards our faith and blesses us beyond measure. We can not do this alone, though. We need Jesus’ help.

A while ago I was involved in a Christian band that was not honoring God. Although I knew it was wrong, I did not want to say anything, because I enjoyed playing music. The Holy Spirit slowly worked on my conscience and convicted me to confront the other band members about our actions. It was hard for me to do, but Jesus gave me the strength to speak to them. It resulted in our band breaking up, but it was necessary in order to honor God. Because I was obedient to God, however, He blessed me by providing another band for me to join that does honor God. I called on Jesus for strength and obedience, and because I asked, He has blessed me beyond measure.

Jesus also helps me in everyday life. For example, during school one day I discovered that a friend of mine was thinking about being sexually immoral. I did not want to tell on him because I did not want to lose his friendship, but I also knew that his actions needed to be corrected. With Jesus’ help, I first confronted him, but he did not listen. I next confronted the principal about the problem, and it was dealt with immediately. My friend was angry at me for a while, but he eventually thanked me, because he broke up with his girlfriend and was thankful he had not done anything he regretted. I rely on Jesus everyday for guidance and direction, and He gladly gives it to me.

Second Place Winner
Andrea Tomer
Grade 9 - Barnesville, OH
East Richland Friends Church School

Jesus is my everything. I have gone through much in my lifetime that I couldn’t have endured without Him by my side. During the past two years I have walked through a wasteland of shattered mirrors, broken glass, and fragile skeletons. In short, I have suffered in the horrible clutches of anorexia.

Without Jesus, I could have easily become a vague statistic among those who have perished from this horrible illness. He picked me up and listened to my prayers when I weakly pressed on the exercise machine. And in the trying days of my slow recovery, He basked me in His love as I tried to begin eating again. He was there in it all, the dark, the melancholy, and the better days. He is my sole testimony; He loved me even when I refused to try to get better.

Lastly, he provided a multitude of friends and health care professionals who have helped care for me every step of the way, By helping me to live and overcome this terrible problem, He has also helped me live as a Christian should.

Despite the trials I’ve been through, God has richly blessed me. He let me LIVE and that is why I believe now that life is really precious. This last year He has also provided a way for me to attend Faith Community Christian High School. Through being at Faith, I’ve grown closer to Him, have made many wonderful Christian friends, and am much more aware of why I believe as I do. Through it all, I have come to conclude: God does answer prayer, and is there in it all. Without Him, we’d be reduced to nothing; everything happens for a reason. God’s plan will prevail in the end.

I have been truly, richly blessed.