Jerry is a straight-shooter, no-nonsense pastor who knows how to speak the truth in love, whether preaching, teaching, or writing. He is bold without being brash and loving without being wimpy. He would rather be biblically true than politically correct. God used Jerry to take the Canton congregation from doubt to faith, from self-indulgence to generosity, from conflict to peaceful relationships, and from an entertainment culture to spiritual empowerment. This man of faith taught his flock that the truths of God's Word could change their lives today as it did in Bible times--that God still heals, that He opens the womb, and that He blesses those who put Him first in their finances. This is not casual Christianity. He called his people to commitment. Some preferred not sticking with him on this journey of belief and chose other trails.

But those who stayed found God true to His Word and have an uncompromising pastor to thank for their relationship with Christ, their life in the Spirit, and their fruit of joy. They learned invaluable lessons about worship, about giving, about resolving conflicts, about the importance of walking in purity, and about taking God at His Word--all lessons the readers can embrace as their own. The principles in the pages of this book apply equally well to individuals as to church families. An added delight comes in the appendix with living testimonies of changed lives, including deliverance from depression, powerful answered prayer through births and the new birth, and healing. God be praised for the lives turned inside out and right side up through the ministry of Pastor Jerry Yarnell. It is my privilege to know him as a fellow traveler in the journey of faith and to know his people as devoted followers of Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, now and forever! --Paul Anderson, friend and comrade in the fight Director, International Lutheran Renewal Center St. Paul Minnesota.