The Vows of a Lifetime
By: Shari Freeman, Guam Prayer Co-Chair

On the evening of September 17, 2007 dozens of lovely ladies assembled in a moment of holy matrimony as we all symbolically gave our lives to Christ in the most charming of ceremonies in which we became the brides of Christ.

The night began as we made a joyful noise unto the Lord! Sherry Bower led us in spirit filled praise and worship to invite the Holy Spirit and focus our minds on exalting the Most High God. Eyes closed, hands lifted, minds quieted, we entered into an atmosphere of worship.

The celebration continued with a parable lesson taught by Simone Brown as she spoke from her heart on the story from Matthew 25:1-13.  “The Parable of the Ten Virgins” came to convict every listener in the room about being ready for Christ’s return. Verse 10 says, “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.”  The room was silenced as we were given a moment to reflect on the meaning of being shut off from God as a direct result of doing our own things while Christ calls us to follow Him.  Sherry then led us in the Sinner’s Prayer recited in subtle harmony and we made our way into the sanctuary for the main event.

Glowing candles lit up the altar below the cross.  The song “Falling in Love with Jesus” played softly in the background as we entered the sanctuary to give our hearts to the One True God.  Pastor Lonny Bower, the program officiant, greeted us all as we stood before him ready to speak special vows to our Lord.  Already, eyes welled with tears of joy and expectation of a love relationship that is real, practical and personal with our Lord and Savior.  We stood and recited together our vows to God.  One of the promises we made was this: “In sickness and in health, I will love You, honor You, cherish You and put no others before You.  You are my God, and You alone. For better and for worse I will trust in You and You shall be my God.  For now and all eternity. In Jesus’ name.”
           
Our night concluded with a fancy reception complete with catered food and a gorgeous Donna Key wedding cake!  We celebrated in style as Julie Porter and Roz Haskell each gave a toast in the honor of the brides and Groom.  We talked, laughed and shared with each other the meaning of the vows we had just made.  The vows we took for now and for eternity…the vows of a lifetime