Tom Kohler
Born in Mexico and living my first ten years there, we were raised by my parents as Episcopalians; thus, the introduction and indoctrination into the Book of Common Prayer. From then on until my mid-twenties, I remained a fairly faithful Episcopalian. My disenchantment with the Episcopal Church began in the early seventies when I struggled with some of the doctrine related to infant baptism and other related matters.
My first marriage ended in the late seventies, mostly due to my own hubris. I distanced myself from any spiritual engagement for over 12 years and even into my second marriage to Gail. Again, my pride left a lot to be desired as a husband and father. During a separation period, my 14-year-old son, Marc, told me my problem was that I didn’t have Christ in my life. That brought me up short – realizing I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing and be happy. With this newfound awareness, and support from my brother Bill, I attended my first service at Orlando Community Church in 1984.
Through Christian counseling, weekly meetings with John Christiansen, opening the Bible with the guidance of Lyle and Marge Nelsen, and attending small group sessions, I began to understand that I needed a personal relationship with Christ. Prior to this, I had never prayed and actually said the words “Jesus Christ” out loud except in a church setting. Opening the Bible and understanding the relationships of the Old Testament teachings with those of the Gospel was eye-opening to me. The Book of Common Prayer liturgy started to make sense for the first time.
OCC and our church family has been the best thing that happened to me. Yes, we have had our many struggles, and they continue to this very day, but I have been comforted by all those around me, and most importantly by my knowledge that Christ is my counselor and comforter for all that is to come. I will soon be 78, my walk beginning 42 years ago. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for me for the rest of our journey together. My hope isn’t to be placed in what I can do but in what Jesus has already done.
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