Justin Matthew Reid

Friends - Andy and Janice Reid

I've been related to Andy, my uncle, all my life. He has taught in Faith Tech Bible schools in Russia, India and Africa. He married my aunt Janice when I was 6 years old. They've been wonderful, kind and supportive relatives to me over the years. It was in 2001 that the Lord used them mightily in my life.

It was around June of 2001 when I knew that I would have to move from Fargo, ND to somewhere. I wasn't sure of anything, except that I knew I did NOT want to move back to my home state of Michigan. I was talking with my aunt Janice at that time via email and I related what was going on in my life. She invited me to move to North Carolina, where she and Andy reside. Without really considering the offer much, I went ahead and said yes to the invitation. My thinking at the time was that I'd just gone through a horrid winter in Fargo and that North Carolina would have to be nice and warm!

All of this was orchestrated by God. I moved to North Carolina in October of 2001 and moved in with Andy and Janice. This was right after the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. As a result, the job market was rather uncertain in this country. I struggled for 2-3 months to find steady work in North Carolina. This forced me to stay in their home until I could afford to move out. It was in January of 2002 that Andy started teaching the Faith Tech Bible curriculum as a regular Bible study in his home. He invited me before he started it, but I wasn't planning on attending. Ultimately I decided to give it a try, since I was living there. At the time I only committed to going as long as I would be living in his home.

As I attended the study, I heard a reasonable explanation of God's Word for probably the first time in my life. My life began to slowly be transformed as I heard God's Word and then submitted to what He confirmed by His Spirit as being His amazing Truth. When I look back, I'm so amazed at what the Lord wrought and continues to work in my life. I'm humbled at His mercy and compassion. He saw the potential in me when I was a confused, angry, struggling sinner crying out for a better way. He redeemed me from a life of death to a life of life in Christ! He'll do that for whosoever will choose Him, amen.

I don't see Andy and Janice much since I moved out of North Carolina in August of 2005. Still, I remain eternally grateful for the part they played during a very critical season in my young life. Lord, continue to bless them and provide opportunity for them to witness to your transforming Word!

Justin, Janice and Andy Reid (L-R)

Justin, Janice and Andy Reid in August 2005