Maureen Hornstein

I grew up in a home where both of my parents knew Christ personally and were committed to their faith. I trusted Christ at a young age and really don’t remember not knowing Christ personally. That being said, as a child, I wasn’t terribly sure that Christ had come into my life, because I thought something really dramatic had to happen. So many nights I would pray, “God, I REALLY mean it, please come into my life.” I expected some kind of feeling or at least an angel appearing outside my window!

After some time, we were watching Billy Graham on TV and he was talking about being saved. I asked my dad if I was saved. He responded, “I don’t know, honey. That means you’ve invited Jesus to come into your life.” I said, “Ooohhh, I did that a long time ago.”  Dad said, “Then that means you’re saved.”

I was a sincere Christian. I really wanted to tell others about Christ but I didn’t know how. And I tried to be the kind of person God wanted me but I just couldn’t do it. When I got to college, my frustration with the Christian life continued to grow. I finally told God, “Look, I need You to show me that the Christian life works in everyday life. If it doesn’t work, then I’ll see You when I’m 85 because I’m tired of trying to do this.

As the new semester began, a woman from Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) stopped by my room to invite my roommate to their first meeting. And I went with her. I saw a quality of life that I was looking for. We joined a Bible Study and they asked us to read an article. The article talked about allowing Christ to be in control of your life. I told my roommate, “Can you imagine that! God wants to be in control of your life!” If you let Him do that, who knows what He’ll ask you to do!!! You might end up being a missionary!!!” (Ugh!)

Within a couple of weeks, I decided to try it. I told God, “If this doesn’t work, that’s it! I’ll see you when I’m 85.” But long story short, it worked! I discovered that I don’t have the power to live the Christian life, but God lives in me and He can live the Christian life through me. And my husband, Hank, and I have been with Cru now for 51 years.

We’ve had the best life! Our lives are very different from those of most people. I couldn’t have children; we bought our first house at 60; we’ve lived in three countries outside of the US, and worked all over the world for at least half of our careers. Life has been a fulfilling adventure. Oh, we’ve had lots of stress and problems—just like everybody—but God is so good and so faithful.

We have had a blessed life. And we keep going. We have to—it’s in our blood.

Thanks for letting me share a bit.