Forest R. Steenfott, This is My Testimony and Witness: ©

Before I begin, there are two Scripture passages that I believe includes my standing before our Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Matthew 22: 37–40) “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

I do believe this for myself. I do without any reservations; love the Lord my God with all my being, and my neighbor as myself.

(John 4: 23–24) “when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

I believe that I worship the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in spirit and in truth.I will in the next few months send you events in my life where God used me for His glory. I will also send a few favorite stories about others whose stories made a great impression on my life. I am praying that my testimony will encourage you in your walk of faith with our Lord Jesus.

Proverbs 3: 5–7) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.”

Isaiah 40: 28–31)“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

Hebrews 12: 1–2) “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

I have a very good friend that is a Bible teacher on a web site. I had known his grandfather and grandmother many years ago. They had been missionaries. Mr. Mike Meyer made a statement that concludes what I am trying to express in my testimony and witness. He brings it out so clearly.
Mike Meyer, July 20, 2006
“This morning I wanted to post a note of encouragement. I found myself a tad physically drained this morning. I have a task or two before the Lord right now, and found it hard to 'connect'. Well, my friends, sometimes, we need to just press on. I didn't feel like going forward, didn't feel like praying or getting into the Word. I called out to the Lord, and He answered me. I asked for the spark to be rekindled in my spirit this morning. We are One Body, and as such, I am honest with you all. We are all humans, and as such are subject to similar struggles both physically and spiritually. It is important to pray for one another, for the encouragement of the Body, and the protection of its members from attacks. I would encourage you, in your prayer times, to remember your pastors, the leaders in your churches. The Apostle Paul showed us quite a bit 'behind the curtain' so to speak about the hardships we face- even those who preach. The good news is that we do have the victory in Christ Jesus. As its been said, just cling to the Cross.”

What is a Christian’s Testimony of Our Lord God?

(Ephesians 5: 18-21) "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 submitting to one another in the fear of God."

Hebrews 13:15-16) "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

Our testimony is giving thanks to God with the fruit of our lips. Amen

Forest Testimony and Witness Titles

1. Forest’s Life up to Three:
2. Forest's Life at Six:
3. Forest Steenfott’s Salvation and Early Christian Walk:
4. My First Church as Pastor:
5. Adversity, Who Needs It?:
6. I have been healed in two instances by divine intervention:
7. A Life Threatening Incident Happened in 1949:
8. Another Life Threatening Incident Happened in the 1960s:
9. Forgiveness and Reconciliation, in Respect to our Heavenly Father:
10. These were Special Events In Forest Steenfott’s Life:
11. I have many good friends; I truly am blessed:
12. Forest Steenfott’s Accident and Disability:
13. Forest Honored by Valley Christian Schools:
14. The Changed Cross and Other Religious Poems: Favorites of My Mother:
15. My Father’s Passing, December 27, 1977:
16. Extra—Some Studies and More Happening in past Years:

• Salvation—Justification, Sanctification, Glorification:

• Remember September 11, 2001:
• Ephesians 5: 18—Be Filled with the Spirit:
• Forest’s Last Sermon:
• Closing Chapter—Ordination:
• What Are You Hanging Onto?
• Church Rejected Forest For Ministry:
• Forest Bible Study and Ministry:

__________________________________________________________________

Forest’s Life up to Three

        I was born in 1931, which was during the great depression. My mother gave birth to twins, my brother John and sister Dorothy in 1934. Many of these details I had knowledge of at three years of age, but it was not until years later I understood what they meant.
        My father was a farmer by trade. He could not find work in Petaluma, California. Father and mother decided to move to Idaho, and move in with her folks. They were farmers, too. We stayed in their Shortly after that, one night I was woke up with Dorothy crying. That next morning I sense there was a problem. I was totally unaware that Dorothy had died during the night.
        Some time later mother and I were taken to some far off city to a hospital. She had hemorrhage in her uterus. I had developed Pneumonia. Remember that in 1934 there was not the medicines or doctors with the knowledge as they have today. Mother and I came back to grandpas well and healthy.
        Many during those early years died with Pneumonia. Many still die with it in our day, too. I believe that God intervene and stared my life for ministry to Him today.

Forest’s Life at Six:

        For, all appearances this very small instance of a teacher’s discipline would seem very minor, but not in the mind of a six-year old boy in the way the discipline was exercised. I was that boy. I didn’t have many child friends, if any, while growing up with mother and dad and a brother 3 years younger. My mother was 34 and father was 37. My folks had many adult friends without children.
        The most fearful time for this six-year old was the first day of school. There was no kindergarten in those years. Children started out in the first grade. The children had their pictures taken. My fear showed all over my face. I gradually made friends as the days and weeks went by. I could sense I was learning quickly. I began to really enjoy going to school, and learning new things.
        The teacher grouped us together. This was to be arithmetic time. The teacher used 4 x 6 cards. The numbers to be added or subtracted were on one side of the card with the answer on the back. I did very well on this, maybe to good for I was playing around. The teacher took the cards and flapped them up and down my face.
        For me that was the most embarrassing moment in my 6 years of life. I felt shame before my friends. I turned the switch off in my head to learning. I did not do that consciously, but failed the first year and started it over again. My friends moved ahead of me. My teachers just kept me moving on. I was basically illiterate at the age of 16. During the years of Junior and Senior High School my friends and I were called dumb kids. We were in the same classes together.
        There was a change that happened to me when I was 16. The Lord Jesus became my Lord and Savior. I gave my life to Him. I tried to turn the switch in my head back on again. It was hard, but there were improvements. The biggest change was in reading. I could not read a book. I became interested in the Old King James Version of the Bible. I began reading it night and day. I became engrossed in it. I can read and study books today, because of God’s Word.

Forest Steenfott’s Salvation and Early Christian Walk:

        I was born on April Fool’s Day, 1931 in Petaluma, California. I was raised in Sunday school and church. There was nothing about the gospel in this church. I knew well the stories of the Old Testament and the three Gospels (excluding John) of the New Testament. I never heard of Paul. I left this church around the age of 15. Most of the children were of an upper social class. My friends at school were mostly the dumb kids. We were all very good children but just were not very smart. Our clothing was not always the best either. Though I had hard working and loving parents.
        My parents went to their church one Sunday evening. I stayed home and went to bed. I felt a little guilty that I wasn’t going to church any more. I listened to a radio broadcast of the Old Fashion Revival Hour. Charles Fuller was the minister. I don’t remember what he preached, but at the end of his sermons, he asked his congregation to raise their hands to accept Jesus Christ. After a response he would then say “Lord Bless you.”
        He changed his format this one evening. He said, “I sense a young lad out there in radio land this evening at home and in bed. He needs the Lord. I’m going to ask him to raise his hand.” I pulled the blankets over my head and raised my hand. He then said, “Lord bless you.”
        The next Sunday evening I asked my mother if I could drive her to the nearby city of Santa Rosa, California, to go to a Baptist church. I knew of this church because it broadcast on the radio. I just had my driver’s license, and wanted to drive dad’s car. I ask mother to go with me. We went to this church, and for the first time in my life, I saw people being immersed into water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Goose bumps ran up and down my back. I began to wonder if there was something I did not know about Christianity, or I did not have it.
        I went by myself to a Baptist church in Petaluma where I lived. I sat in the middle of the congregation. I did this several Sundays. I heard something absolutely new to me. Jesus Christ died for me, and I had to accept Him as my personal savior. I thought the pastor was looking straight at me while saying this. This blew my mind. I asked my mother about it. She had no idea what this Pastor was talking about. She told me that to go to heaven I must never go to jail.
        One of the ladies that had seen me in the church knew my mother. She asked my mother if it would be all right with them if I could go to the Friday evening young peoples’ social. Mother said, “Yes.” The next Friday evening I went with my folk’s car. The pastor and his wife always went along on these Friday evening outings. The group took cars to go to an indoor swimming pool. They let me take one person so I could use my car. That was wisdom on their part. I knew the boy from school. I had a wonderful time that evening.
        Many Friday evenings went by. This was the first time ever that my peers accepted me as I was. Then I saw that they had something I did not have. I did not know at the time that it was the Lord in their lives.
        I noticed that every Sunday or so, someone would come forward after the sermon, as the pastor gave an invitation to accept Jesus as Savior. So I decided I wanted to accept Jesus as my Savior. There was a Bible College young man in our church. I respected him very highly. I asked him to go forward with me this Sunday. This young man used wisdom by not trying to lead me to the Lord right then and there. He went forward with me. The funny thing about it was that I thought I had to wait until the pastor preached his sermon. The pastor said that Christ died for my sin, and that I must accept him as my personal savior. This I did in my prayer, July, 1947. Lightning did not hit me, but I knew that now I belonged to the Savior.
I immediately went to work on my mother and father. I explained to them what I had done. I asked my folks if the pastor could come out to talk to them. An appointment was made and it was kept. The pastor talked to my folks and they accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. This was not as simple with them as it was with me. They were members in good standing with many friends in the church in which I was raised. They decided to make a change in churches. I know that this was hard for mother as I think of it today. Mother’s friends said that she was out of her mind, especially going to the crazy people in a Baptist Church.
        Over the years, I saw such a big change in their lives. My father couldn’t do enough for the pastor or the church. Mother taught a Bible class during the week for ladies in the church. She once asked me to give her some details on the Epistle to the Romans. She was teaching Romans to these ladies! That was a big feat.
        Yes, I accepted Jesus as my savior, but not Lord of my life. I had many things to learn. I put off being baptized. I do not know why. About six months later the pastor asked me about following the Lord in baptism. I said, “Yes.” I guess I had to be asked.
        Summer camp came along. I thought at first that this was to be a fun thing. I went without a Bible. I had not been reading the Bible yet. We had classes in the morning hours. I said to myself, “classes?” The teacher wanted us to turn in our Bibles to certain places, “Bible?” Our pastor was daily driving back and forth from the camp to our town for supplies. I asked the pastor if he would go to my parent’s house and pick up my Bible for me. He brought my Bible to me and that started my love affair with the Word of God.
        There was another Bible camp program that fall. This one was only for members of our young people’s group. There were many counselors along. I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ as my Lord around a campfire in that place. We went out into small groups around the camp to pray. My first audible prayer in a group was the Lord’s prayer.
        During the next summer camp, I decided to attend a Bible College when I got out of High School. I wanted to go into Christian service. While I was attending the Bible College, I was asked to preach in a small community church. A deacon in my church went with me. I will never forget this as long as I live. The deacon and I went off into a small room to pray before the service. We got on our knees. I prayed for myself Romans 12. 1, “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” I then and there presented my body on the altar. I don’t remember my sermon or any details regarding it.
I did attended Western Baptist Bible College, Oakland, California in 1950.
        This country boy fit in very well between students and teachers. Most of the teachers were Pastors. These were men, who had a love for their people and students. Pastor’s calling and careers were as pastors. Even Doctor H. O. Van Gilder, president of the college, was a people person. We became very good friends, and kept in touch over the years. He counseled me many times in his office. He had high hopes for this country boy.
        I remember well one of the first classes that all students had to take. It was called “Personal Christianity,” taught by Pastor Graves. The text was “Life on the Highest Plan,” by Miss Ruth Paxson. The Lordship of Jesus Christ was stressed for each of us. Most of our classes were based on how to study the Word of God. These two principals have stayed with me over my 56 years. I am deeply thankful for these lessons I learned by attending Western Baptist Bible College.

My First Church as Pastor:

The first church I was pastor it was truly a joyful experience. Everything went just the way I was taught in my home church and Bible College. I had a genuine love and concern for the people, and I sensed they felt the same way toward my wife Grace and me. I visited in their homes. I was not a stranger to any of them very long.
I will have to give you some background of the church’s history and where it is located. The church building was not incorporated in any legal sense. The land was held under a few trustees. One of the trustees was a very elderly lady that was a Christian Scientist. She lived with one of the church’s members.
The land was also a cemetery. The cemetery and church building were years after the Indians used the grounds. Some of the members of this church told me that Indians would heat large rocks on fires, dump them in the moisture-filled dirt, and take hot mud baths.
This small community named Oak Run, California was located in the mountains about 14 miles East Of Redding, California. The main employer for livelihood of the community was the Shasta County road crews. The corporation yard was there. The post office and the general store were in the same building with gas pumps in front. This was the only store in town. Many in this town raised fruit and vegetables for family use. Some raised cattle. One man raised pheasants for marketing. There was a public school. The school was up to and included the sixth grade. The teacher was one of our church members. The school building afforded the community dances Saturday evenings. There were no phones in the community. Fishing and deer hunting were very predominate, too. Many of the younger fellows took me fishing. Some of the older men took me deer hunting. I did not get a deer. Others shared with us. There was a problem in my church during deer hunting season. I lost all my men. It was just the ladies and children on Sunday mornings. I got some of the men back for Sunday evenings. That is right. We had Sunday evening services and Wednesday evening prayer meetings.
The church was under the American Sunday School Union ministries. This ministry worked like a mission society in out of the way places in America. They would start with Sunday school classes, and then work into a church program. It was through a missionary representative with the American School Union that made connection with Grace and me while I was in my last year at the Bible College. I preached there one Sunday. They voted on me after the service. They would take an offering the first Sunday of the month to be our pay. We accepted.
Our move from San Jose to Oak Run was quite an experience. The move came about while Grace was pregnant. She was having problems with it. The doctor ordered complete bed rest. She did nothing in respect to the move. We first moved with a house trailer to Redding. There was no place to live in Oak Run. I brought Grace to live with me in Redding.
Grace had a miscarriage of the baby. I rushed her to the hospital emergency. We lost the child. The church in Oak Run felt bad for us, so gave us a puppy dog.
We finally moved the trailer to Oak Run. We set it up in the churchyard. There was plumbing on the property, but the church had no bathroom facilities. There was an outhouse in the backyard. Some of the men and I built a small building by the trailer for toilet, shower, and laundry. It was a wonderful gesture on their part.
A lady and her three boys attended the church. The oldest boy attended a college in Redding. The second boy was out of school, but worked on their property. Her third boy was still in High School. Their father and the mother’s husband lived in a nursing home. He was along in years.
These boys took me fishing, which I enjoyed. One evening we had our catch for dinner, then stayed overnight. I slept with the boys in the loft of their barn. The young folks in the church and I made a close relationship together.
The mother asked me to speak to her younger son about continuing his education and to graduate from High School. I got him alone to talk to him about finishing High School. This he did.
I had another experience with this family, which I want to share. The father had died. I was to have the funeral for the family. I did this beyond the call of duty. I had to dig the hole for the casket. Some of the family members helped, but we had to dig it in solid rock, which we found out early. Now some of our men worked for the county. They came to our rescue, and brought a jack hammer along with dynamite. They would place four or five holes in the rock, place sticks of dynamite in the holes, cover the top of the site, go in the front of the church and set it off. This was still going slow. We were told that we only needed to go down five feet. This was going to be the last run at this. They put the holes down as deep as the jack hammer would go, put as many sticks of dynamite in the holes as possible, covered the larger hole with as much as we could. We went around to the front of the church. Even got my wife out of the trailer, and let it go. Lot of the covering went up into the trees. This got our hole down to five feet.
The next day was the funeral, which I preached. The brother of this deceased man gave me five dollars, and the deceased man’s wife gave me his shoes. After the family left another gentleman and I pushed all of the dirt and rock back into the hole.
There was another very young family that were not in the church at the time, but came into our church through our contact. He was driving a large logging truck coming out of our area loaded with logs. He had an accident with the truck. He was in the hospital in Redding. We had just arrived in Oak Run ourselves. The folks asked me to go see him. This I did. They came to the church after he got home from the hospital. He and his family lived near us. They had two small boys. I visited their home and was shocked. It was in filthy and dirty. There were flies all over the place, with dirty dishes in the sink. My wife and I visited them several times. They asked us to come and have Thanksgiving dinner with them. We accepted the generous offer.
We had one more contact with this couple after we had left this ministry in Oak Run. I had returned to Bible College to get further education. I received a phone call from the gentleman in a San Francisco Hospital, He wished I would come to see his wife. She had developed cancer in the womb after the birth of their third child. The cancer was spreading quickly through her body. She wasn’t going to live much longer. We went to see her right away. I gave her the Psalm 23 and prayed for her. A few days later she passed away. She was in her early 20s.
The man in our church that was raising pheasants did a wonderful thing for us in our first Christmas there. He came over to our place with a couple of guns for us to go hunting for our Christmas dinner. That was for quail. He wanted me to get the quail. To be honest, I’m not much of a hunter. He left me to go back to his home. Just a little time later, I heard a gun shot over by his house. He arrived back at my door with a pheasant in hand for our dinner. There are rules on bagging a pheasant. You cannot do to a pheasant what you would a chicken. He had to let go of it to shot it.
This year’s experience was one of the most wonderful times I have ever had. I went back to my College for my fifth year and earned a couple degrees, which were Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Bachelor of Theology degrees. Then, I candidated for a Church to be their Pastor. I was called to Colonial Baptist Church, Sacramento, California.

Adversity, Who Needs It?:

Adversity or as mother would say we are in the school of hard knocks. We all do have a degree behind our names, which is “LLD,” Learning Lessons Daily.

We all remember well what happened at the Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999. She was 17 years old. He stood glaring at her, his weapon before her face. He asked the question, “Do you believe in God?”
It was a life-or-death question. “Yes, I believe in God.” He shouted back, Why?” He never gave her a chance to answer. The teenage girl lay dead at his feet. Can you just imagine the adversity this brought to her family and friends. Maybe you can. You had a child or mother who died. We all face great trials and tribulations.
What are some adversities that we may go through? These may be misfortunes or calamities such as ill health, mental illness, loss of a job and finances and bankruptcies, etc.

There are adversities and trials that our Lord spoke about while He was here on earth in His Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake……………….Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-12).

Remember, the Lord God is our Shepherd, (Psalm 23:1) He is the all-wise Shepherd, which loves and cares for His own. Emmanuel, “God with us” through these hard times. God is building character in our lives through adversity. The Lord Jesus gives the reasons for our adversity, (1) “You are the salt of the earth,” (2) “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14-16).

I had the mistaken idea that my wife’s illness that took her life after five years of suffering, was not suffering for Christ’s sake. The two reasons given by Christ in the Bible passage above declare that my suffering was for a witness to others. Many spoke to me about my devotion and dedication to my wife, during her debilitating illness.

My Christian walk has not been one of survival, although it appears that way. Instead my life with the Lord Jesus has been as these Scripture passages point out. Romans 8: 37, Romans 8: 39, Philippians 1: 6, 2 Timothy 1:12, Romans 8:37
made me more than a conqueror through Him that loved me. Romans 8:39

I know nothing shall be able to separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 1:6

I am confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in me will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:12 For, which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Psalm 139 speaks to the very issue of God’s presence in our lives, verses 1 through 3. I have changed these verses to personal pronouns. They do affect me personally. “O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, And art intimately acquainted with all my ways.”-NASB. How close can God get when He scrutinizes my path and my lying down, and is intimately acquainted with all my ways?

I don’t want to leave with you the impression that there never has been any time in my life that there was not joy, happiness, appreciation of family and friends, and thankfulness to my loving God. I am rich beyond words. The Psalm 139 also speaks of this; Verses 17 – 18 “How precious also are Thy thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.”

You may be enduring adversities in your life and are possibly very discouraged, depressed, turning to drugs or alcohol even unto taking your own life. Take comfort in the fact that our Lord and Savior God is walking with you and sometimes even carrying you in His loving arms. I assure you.

I had disappointments, lost dreams and failures. The last few years of my life were the most devastating to me, in taking care of my loving wife of 48 years. I came out of these years in having the greatest of victories for God, with peace and joy for myself.

My wife’s disease gave her hallucinations, confusion, a loss of many bodily functions, current memory lost within minutes, etc. It was a degenerative disease ending in death. For Grace it ended December 13, 2001.

God in His faithfulness and love began working on me. I will not go into detail, but God took me over and over Psalm 103. This is one of the greatest Psalms for those with discouragement and depression. God will not let His children go. Two other passages were 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 and Hebrews 12: 1-2. The second verse says, “Looking unto Jesus” is the answer to victory in our walk with God. Keep your inner eyes on Jesus not your circumstances.

My conclusion for victory over adversity is you need to read, listen and obey the Word of God! Nothing I can say is going to be sufficient to bring you to victory. “You Need to Allow God to Work out His Plans in Your Life!” A man that had more problems and trials was Moses. He wrote Psalm 90. The twelfth verse says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” God’s desire for each one of us is to have His wisdom. The hurts and the pains are in God’s plan and purpose for us to be more like our Lord Jesus.

My Dear Christian friend, you have to start with faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. You have to believe that Jesus died for yours sins and rose again to give you a new life, which is eternal. He didn’t promise to take away the results of our sins in this life. It becomes a matter “that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

This is the most beautiful of them all. Yes, the good memories of joys we have had and the sorrows and pains, “ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD—TO CONFORM US TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON.” (Romans 8: 28-29).

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
    Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
    Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
    This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish,
    sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
    So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
    that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
    But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
    Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
    “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson
© 1984


I have been healed in two instances by divine intervention.

There may have been more, but I am aware of these two times. Death for me was imminently certain.

A Life Threatening Incident Happened in 1949:

It was Sunday. My good friend, Ronald White came to me after church service that morning. We were both seniors in High School. Ron asked if I would like to go to Oakland for a Christian radio broadcast that evening? I said, “Sure, count me in.”
It was on the San Francisco side of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge. All automobile traffic was on the top span of the bridge. There were six lanes of traffic, three lanes going in each direction. My friend and I had just left San Francisco. We were on the large curve of the bridge, heading in the direction of Oakland. We were in the inside lane. There was a car coming from the opposite direction. It came over into our lane and hit our car head-on.
I do not remember the accident. I started to regain consciousness around 3:00 or 4:00 the next morning. I remember a very bright light over me. Somebody was working on my face. Then I woke up to find that we had been in an accident on the Bay Bridge. My friend that was driving was alive but suffered a crushed right leg bone. I had been sitting on the far right side from the driver. I had received a head injury. We both had many cuts and bruises. The owner of the car was sitting between us. He was killed immediately.
The driver of the other car was a young Navy man who had just been released from the service. He was drunk along with the others in his car. They had open containers too. An occupant in his car was killed. They were also being chased by a police officer for speeding and reckless driving. The officer was not going to stop them on the bridge because of heavy traffic.
Three things happened that proved to be unusual. The police made a statement that there were Bibles all over the bridge from our car. The smell of alcohol was thick coming from the car that hit us. Secondly, ambulances came from all over San Francisco to pick up the injured. They then returned to the city seeking any hospital emergence room that would take the injured. The occupants in our car all landed at the same hospital. While the occupants in the other car landed in different hospitals. It was easy for our people from Petaluma to find us. Thirdly, our pastor was in the emergency receiving room where we were. There were many of the injured that evening from around San Francisco with injuries from other accidents. The air was blue with cursing and swearing, but not from us.
An ambulance took Ron and me back to Petaluma to the General Hospital the following day. We were both put into a ward in the Petaluma hospital. Ron had the bones in his right leg set. I had a head injury. Until the end of the week, I didn’t appear at first to be having a problem.
I began developing headaches that became more severe as time went on. I remember being taken to x-ray. Then I was taken to a single room. I was given a spinal tap, and they found blood in the spinal fluid. I slowly became unconscious. I remained in this state for three days.
My doctors, were general practitioners, who were two brothers and a nephew. They conferred with my parents during this time. My outlook for survival was very bleak. Brain surgery was very seldom performed. They were going to have to operate if I became worse. There was a special nurse assigned to me around the clock. The problem was that they were not sure where my brain was bleeding. It would have to be exploratory type of surgery, which is very dangerous to perform. I gradually came out of the coma on the third day.
I woke up and spent three more weeks in the hospital for observation. I drank a lot of milk and put on some weight, and made myself a pest around the hospital. I was feeling great. Praise to God, I came out of this experience with no lasting effects.
There was a court trial in this case, because of the two deaths involved. We met the young man that caused the accident. He had tears in his eyes. He asked for forgiveness. We gave him hugs. It was a special time. He was found guilty of manslaughter. We heard later that he had developed physical problems. He had received a punctured bladder that was not healing. He also developed bone cancer. He was not expected to live.
I had been given no medications. As far as the doctors were concerned, nothing could be for me. I was next to death. This was divine healing. I would not have a Steenfott family of my own if I had died. I have four children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Another Life Threatening Incident Happened in the 1960s:

The second instance by divine healing is one I do not much talk about. My
wife and I, after receiving our Bible education, went to an “American Sunday School Union” church. It was in the middle of nowhere in Northern California. It was a hard year but a joy working alongside these folks. Grace miscarried our first child. The Lord and the church folks provided for us.
The school that we attended got its charter to grant degrees. I returned the next year and received Bachelor of Arts in Bible and a Bachelor of Theology degrees. This was in 1956. I then preached in several Baptist churches and received a call to a Baptist church in Sacramento, California.
We had a very prosperous year. Many were being saved, baptized, and joining the church. There was a happy joyous spirit in the church. I then sought ordination. An examining counsel was called, and I passed unanimously. The church ordained me. Then all hell broke loose. I was forced to resign.
We then went into a home mission work of starting new churches. We were given a gold mine of folks that were having a home Bible study. I discovered that maybe half of them were not saved. The Christians were very weak in their faith too. The missionary that we were working under wanted a fully operational organized Baptist church, now! This could not be. Some of the people were not saved and none of the others were leaders. The Home Missionary fired me. How does a 28 year old deal with being forced to resign and then fired from a ministry.
We found a different Baptist association, joined and became very active in the church. I found a managerial position in a company. I was holding in my heart a very deep grudge against this missionary that fired me from the ministry. I felt guilty about my attitude, but I was going to do nothing about it. This went on for several years.
One afternoon at my job, I became very feverish. I went home early. We called the doctor. He told us what to do. Nothing seemed to help during the night. I had a fever of 104 through the night. The next morning was Saturday. Our doctor was in his office. He asked if some one could bring me in. My father-in-law took me to the doctor.
The doctor examined me. I spoke of my legs and back hurting. He turned as pale as a ghost. He got on the phone right away to Valley Medical Center, and asked to have me admitted right away into the isolation ward. He told me I may have spinal-meningitis. He had lost four meningitis cases before me. I knew I could die from this.
I was waiting on a gurney to be taken into the isolation ward. I had time to think and pray. I wasn’t afraid of dying. I was concerned about my family. I did not want to come before my Lord and God with this hatred in my heart. I asked God to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness in this situation with the missionary. I believe that God healed me at that instant, for when I got a spinal tap there seemed to be no evidence of meningitis. I was told they would keep me in the hospital over night.
I was out of the hospital in 23 hours, from being healed by God. I received no medication of any kind. My heart was free. I had the peace God. Praise the Lord, Amen.
I believe that God does heal in special cases for the work of His ministry to go on, and for His glory.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation, in Respect to our Heavenly Father:

The Lord Jesus the Christ said in His Sermon on the Mount, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6: 9 – 15).
Do you spend any time in prayer, and are you carrying a grudge toward any person? This confrontation may have happened years ago, but you are still bitter over it. Our God never forgets. The matter of forgiveness here in this model prayer for Christians appears to be extremely important to God
I was born in 1931 and by faith received Christ as my personal savior in 1947. I had over the years during my Christian life had many conflicts. God would put His finger on me some times after the conflict for it to be resolved. There were reconciliations from these conflicts. They are now forgiven and I have the peace of God. When I talk to others about the bitterness, which I was carrying, they usually open up and reveal to me about their conflicts, which are not resolved.
Forgiveness and reconciliation have to do with our relationship with others, which in turn greatly affects our relationship with God. We are human, so conflicts do arise no matter how spiritual we may think we are. God gives us solutions for maintaining good and harmonious relationships. These are taken from His Word.
A book came out many years ago by the name “In His Steps.” What would Jesus do if faced with our circumstances, today? Almost a day doesn’t go by without facing some conflict in our relationships with others. This idea of forgiveness came up with Peter, “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18: 21-22). It is interesting to see Peter’s attitude in respect to offenses. This demonstrates how self-centered is man. He is speaking from the position of his being offended, not him offending others.
Matthew 5 23 – 24 “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” This speaks more of those who know that a brother has anger toward them. This is a very sobering thought. We are to “worship God in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). It is impossible to worship God with bitterness and hate in our hearts toward another, or someone feeling the same way toward us. This attitude can affect our prayer life.
The Lord gave these sayings on forgiveness Himself. I believe that we must take them seriously, and obey His word. We then will experience the joy of the Lord. He also, gave a solution to solving these conflicts, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” (Matthew 5: 15 – 17).
God gave us commandments from His word that we must obey. Here are a few that uses the phrase “love one another.” John 15: 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 1 Thessalonians 4: 9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 1 Peter 1: 22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 1 John 4: 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Let us take this matter to our God, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God the Holy Spirit, who indwells each of us will give us the ability and strength to say, “I forgive you, or “Will you forgive me.”

As Examples—Two Conflicts Forest Has Had Were Resolved:

     A Conflict Over Me Being a Volunteer

 

Some years later, I volunteered to operate the tape recorder at a men’s retreat. I had done this many years before. At that time the practice of recording the messages was not done. My son and I started the recording and selling the tapes. We used our own equipment. The equipment I was to use at this present men’s retreat was up graded equipment. I was unfamiliar with this equipment. I asked for help. The program got started. I started the recorder when the speaker began. It came to the end of the tape while the speaker was continuing to speak. I was lost. The manager to the grounds came and kept the tape running. At the end of the service the manager fired me. Fired a volunteer? I was in a state of shock, and very upset. I would have left the grounds and gone home, but I came with another person. I did not continue attending the meetings. This place was in the mountains, so I wandered through nature, and prayed.
I was working as manger of custodial and maintenance at a Christian K through 12th grade school. I was always using volunteers. Some of them were not good, but I never fired a volunteer. I would not use them again. It is very hard to find and keep volunteers. If a person volunteers without pay, it means they have a good heart. I did every possible thing to encourage them. Sometimes I had to help them.
I was mad at this retreat manager, but felt guilty as far as the Bible was concerned. I tried always to justify myself. A couple years later, I wrote a letter to mail to this person. I was hoping to meet him half way. I read it to my oldest son. He said, “No dad that is not the way to do it.” I did not mail the letter.
As time went on, I felt guilty. I then thought that I would go and apologize
for my bad attitude. I stepped into his office and confessed my sin. He put his arms around me and forgave me. I was so relived by his actions. He made a statement that I wanted to hear. He said, “I guess I could have done it differently.” I spent the rest of the time in the services. I talked to him many times during my stay there. Praise the Lord!

A Conflict Arising Over My Missionary Work in Alaska

 

My wife became seriously ill which would end in death. I was a caregiver to her for about eight months. It became a twenty-four hour job. When I could get some sleep, she would get into trouble, which was very dangerous for her. For her own safety, I had to put her in a nursing home.
I changed churches. I met Audrey Orlando, who was involved in a ministry in Alaska building a radio station to send the Gospel of Christ into Russia. She was working up volunteers to work in Alaska on this project. I went along to work on electrical. I met the couple, who were founders and in charge of the work. We had good times together.
I had been there several times along with Audrey Orlando. This time, I was not with Audrey. There was a different attitude by this couple toward me. The lady became very critical of everything I was doing. It became very unbearable to me. Others had heard her criticisms to me, and felt bad for me. I asked a friend that knew of my problems with this lady to take me out of there early the next morning. I had to make three changes in airports to get home. This was also the fourth of July weekend.
I want to share my inner feelings at this time. I felt real down in respect to my God. He was silent and seemed far away. The Bible and Christian books were closed to me.
When I got to the airport, I had a seat all the way home on three flights. On the second airport there was no change on the part of God. When I arrived in the Seattle airport, the atmosphere changed. God became very real and close to me. The Christian book I had been reading the words flew off the page at me. The airport building became a Cathedral to me. I was praising God. When I got off the plane in San Jose, I felt like dancing.
I received a stinging letter from the lady that was critical of me. She gave me the different points of my bad behavior, and actions. I told her that I did not do the things she claimed I did. I could not take her anger with me. She didn’t feel God had anything to do what I said happened in Seattle. She expressed that I was a very bad person. She did not want to hear from me again.
Time went on. I expressed to God in prayer that I was the offended person. God gave me a great love for this wife and husband. This will be hard to believe. God asked me to apologize to them. This I did. They appeared justified in their actions, and hugged me. I felt at peace, too.
I was not the first or even the last person they offended. They are in God’s hands. Praise the Lord!
There is no way in this life with the heart and tongue we have not to offend someone or they offend us. Just alone to forgive someone’s actions toward us is not enough. God’s love demands we must have reconciliation.

First Corinthians 13:
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.

These were Special Events In Forest Steenfott’s Life:

To stand behind that sacred desk and preach!
    To stand on the Word of God and proclaim it’s truth to all generations!
To boys and girls, and teens: Bring them to Christ in personal relationship to Him.
    To the youth in their 20’s and 30’s: Teach them to observe all things that God has commanded in love relationship with each other.
    To middle age: How to be faithful and true to others and themselves. Be a model of Jesus Christ to the young folks.
    To the elderly: Cheer and encouragement, to keep their eyes on Jesus the Lord, not circumstances.

Yes, to stand behind that desk and have the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit and preach Jesus Christ the Lord, crucified, risen and coming King. Hallelujah!
Written May 19, 1989

I was a Pastor for Linda J. Schultz (Gary Pomeroy’s sister), through E-mail. Gary is my very best friend. I was with him during his liver transplant. I will share about him, later.

Forest URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!
One of my dearest and oldest friends committed suicide yesterday.
She knew the Lord and she is surely in His arms. She was a wonderful
daughter, sister, friend, mother and grandmother. She has had emotional problems since her divorce several years ago. Please pray for her family. She has a grown daughter, son and four grandchildren. Her name is Doris. Her parents are elderly and frail. So this will be a horrible shock. Thank you so much for being 'family'....and helping to 'bare the burdens' of those in need. God bless you all.
Linda
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Dear Linda
Please, I’m not trying to fault you. You have a wonderful loving heart for people, especially for those near you as your family and friends. BUT THE URGENT PRAYER REQUEST should have been back when “She had emotional problems since her divorce several years ago.” Forest
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Forest,
Believe me....there was a ton of people who tried to minister to Dori.
She received Christ, she had a women's Bible study I attended with her.
But the divorce caused deep brokeness in her and her ex was really awful
to her....so disrespectful of her as the mother of his daughter for 30 years
or so. Everyone tried to reach Dori.....but she kept making the wrong choices.
She broke.....satan won......but now her pain is over. She is with her Savior.
Thanks for your prayers.....Linda J. Schultz _____________________________________________________________

Dear Linda
I hate to keep bothering you about this, so please forgive me. These issues are so deeply embedded in my mind and soul. I praise the Lord for what your friends were doing in trying to help Dori. You did the right things.
I have been deeply involved in the Scriptures for over 50 years. I don’t know Hebrew or Greek, and not a doctor. We do have the Holy Spirit of God in us to be our guide and teacher. Jesus Christ promised that very thing. The Lord established certain rules and guidelines for the Body of Christ—the church is you and me—to follow. Please read Ephesians 4: 1 – 16. Take special note of verse 8 and 11, 12.
I have one more item to speak to, which is your statement, “She broke, Satan won, but now her pain is over.” Linda, please Satan does not win, Our God is sovereign! The Lord Jesus said that we are in the hands of God. This whole issue of Dori’s is between her and her God. I don’t know the answer. Our God is in control. “Her pain is over,” true it is, but I have during this year been deeply involved in the sufferings and martyrs of believers around world. There are thousands that are being tortured and dying for Christ. I have been given names of folks to pray for. Is Satan the winner in those cases? NO WAY! Here is just one web site, assistnews.net to look into. I’m a subscriber to the Voice of the Martyrs. We may be facing this persecution in our country in a few years. I have a book telling us how to prepare for it.
I love you Linda, and your brother Gary, too. The Lord bless you, Forest
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Dear Linda
Gary told me of all you have gone through with your son. I then was ashamed of what I had told you. I believe that I spoke the truth, but the way I said it could have offended you. So, please forgive me. You’re the last person in the world that I would want to hurt. I recognize in you that God has made a special person of you. I see Jesus in you. The Lord bless you, Linda. Your friend, Forest
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Forest
I did not take any offense at what you said. You are my brother in Christ and your words of exhortation are always welcome..........that is what family is for...........I see Jesus in you too my dear friend
God bless, Linda
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Forest, I have been asked to read some Scriptures at the memorial
of my friend who committed suicide. Fortunately she did accept Christ
years ago....can you give me some suggestions on specific Scriptures to
read to encourage her family and friends....that though her life on earth
was difficult and painful.....that she is indeed with her Savior. It is a great
opportunity to speak to listening ears.....this is Saturday and I have little
or no time to prepare. What do you think? Linda J. Schultz
__________________________________________________________________
Dear Linda
I want to speak to you first. God called you to speak for Him under these circumstances, which I know is going to be difficult for you, because she was your friend then to face the family. There was a man in the Old Testament that was facing the same thing as you. His name is Joshua. His beloved friend and companion Moses for so many years is gone. Now to lead over a million people.
Joshua 1: “1After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. ________________
5“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6“Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you.” Linda, listen, you have this same God in you, “I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6“Be strong and of good courage.”

Now, this is what I believe you should do. This lady friend of yours was a Christian. There is no better Scripture for this time than the Hope we have in our resurrected Lord, I Corinthians 15: “50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’ 56The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Your friend is alive right now with the Lord Jesus. What a joy! What a hope! We have in Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. This is dynamic, which may bring some of her family to the Lord.
You can do it in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lord bless you, Linda. Your friend Forest

The Holy Spirit Used Me Today:

Something exciting happened to me today. (November 6, 1999) I went with some folks from Hilltop Manor along with folks from First Baptist Church of San Jose, California to Monterey, California. This was an all day outing to Cannery Row. We all went in different directions after arriving there.
I walked around Cannery Row for a short time. Then I headed up the beach to “Lovers Point.” There was a trail along the beach. There were places along the way where you could stop and rest for a while. I stop quite often as you can imagine.
I got to “Lovers point” about noon. I then walked up town to an eating-place I knew of. This was in Pacific Grove. I walked back to the beach about 1 o’clock stopping again many times to look at the ocean.
Just a little after 2 as I was walking along when I saw a young black lady. She was reading a book on top of a post of the fence facing the ocean. I noticed that it was a Bible. I just walked by, but a voice inside of me started saying to me, “Go back and talk to this young person.” I turned around and looked at her, but continued to walk away. This happened four or five times. I could not get over this impression inside of me telling me to go back to her. Almost one hundred yards away, I turned and walked back to her.
She was just about ready to leave. I spoke to her and asked if she was reading the Bible. She said, “Yes.” I said, “Alleluia, Praise the Lord.” We spoke for a while about our salvation. I know the Lord was leading me in what to say. I spoke of the tragedy that I was facing with my wife’s illness. Then I went into how God was keeping me while going through this with my wife. I used Psalm 103 as what God had used with me. We opened her Bible and read the Psalm. I pointed to verses that meant a lot to me. Then I told her about 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4. God used this to confirm my faith. Then to Hebrews 12: 2 about “looking unto Jesus.” She wrote these verses down. I told her that it was the Lord that brought us together. The Lord wanted me to encourage her.
She belongs to a church and lives in Fremont, California. She wanted to spend this weekend before the Lord. She is 24, single and searching for the will of God for her life. I told her that women need to be more assertive in the church. She needed to commit her life to the Lord and go into ministry. I told her that I would pray for her. All this time she was wiping the tears from her eyes. We took hands and I prayed for her.
Now I had to leave and she gave me a hug. I turned and walked off and did not look back. My eyes were wet with tears as I walked away. I was rejoicing and praising the Lord. I now know why I came on this trip. Praise God! Forest Steenfott

My Good Friend Gary Pomeroy:

I came to Know Mr. Gary Pomeroy many years ago when he came to work for Valley Christian Schools as the bus and transportation director. The school began to eliminate the bus program because of the expense of it. Gary began to put in more time in custodial and maintenance. I was in charge of this program for the Junior and senior High School. We shared many Christian experiences together. We became very good friends. Gary came very close to me when my wife became seriously ill. I count Mr. Gary Pomeroy as my very best friend. —Forest R. Steenfott

Gary Pomeroy’s Testimony

My name is Gary Pomeroy and I would like to share with you a story about love, forgiveness, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. It is my story, my journey, but it may not be much different than yours.
I was born in 1951 in San Francisco and raised by loving parents. My mother was Catholic and my father was a Protestant. Like a lot of people, I was baptized Catholic and thought I had been born into that religion. I went to catechism as a boy, but do not remember learning much about the Bible or the person of Christ.
In the sixties, I was influenced by music of groups like the Beatles and I had many idols. All of it led to drugs. By my early twenties, what I thought was freedom and love turned into bondage and insecurity.
In 1975, after living together two years, my high-school sweetheart and I married. A year later, we divorced. So, I found another girlfriend and we lived together and had a baby boy. But because of our obsessions, we too broke up within three years.
Throughout those years, I called out to God, but I did not know him personally. I only called out to him when I needed something, not for his will in my life. I called myself a garden-variety pagan, trying everything to fill the hole in my heart. I even considered suicide.
But in 1982, after many years of worshipping people and things, mocking God’s name, dishonoring my parents, encouraging my son’s mother to get an abortion, committing adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting what was not mine. I came to a point where I needed love and forgiveness. And for the first time in my life, I heard those words coming from the Bible, read by a man like me in a little church.
That day, I chose to follow Christ, but scared and embarrassed, I left the church quickly. God knew, though, and within a few weeks, He sent a young man to lead me in a prayer to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, asking forgiveness for my sins. That day changed my life.
Within a year, the Lord delivered me from my drug abuse and began teaching me His way of looking at myself and others. I had never read the Bible before. I was amazed to see many people just like me in those pages.
The faith I now trust in, I cannot see with my eyes, but I believe in my heart (Hebrews 11:1). I have the power to overcome all my temptations and trials, and I can call upon that power in all that I do (1 John 4:4). My life is now complete in the Lord.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

I have been serving the Lord since 1984, in and out of the church, in a world that is dying to know Him. John 3:16 and 17 says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

I (Forest) want to interject right here that Gary has for some time been involved the Pro-life—Antiabortion movement. He has turned away from aborting their baby. It has been a hard work because of abuse they receive.
__________________________________________________________________
Hi Linda (Gary’s sister) E-mail December 24, 1999
I have a big favor to ask of you. I have been praying for your brother. I had a brain-storm. You gave me many problems that Gary is having. My memory is not that good in retaining all of them. Would you write them out in detail for me and send them to me by E-mail? Now that is about his physical and mental conditions. Include with this his problem with his son. I consider this very privilege personal information. He will not know that you gave this to me. I love Gary and it would be the last thing in this world that I would hurt him. That is the same thing with you. I do praise the Lord that He has put both of you into my life. This type of thing is really what the Church of Christ is all about. We are to build each other up in our faith and walk. It is really about loving one another. That phrase “love one another” is mentioned 13 times in 12 verses. It is a command. I have also written about this and will share it with you some time in the future.
Your brother and friend, Forest
______________________________________________________________

Forest,
Ok...as far as Gary goes, he has Hepatitis C and damage to the liver...his liver is shutting down so....
1. He's very bloated in his abdomen as the liver is hard and does not digest the food from his stomach bile is backed up into his throat and he gets ulcers that have to be tied off every couple of months.
2. He is TIRED a lot!
3. He has memory problems as a symptom of the diseases above.
4. Layne (gary’s son) is "doing his thing" ...sex, drugs rock and roll.....need I say more....he seems to be checking in with Gary more often lately but he is a real con and it is Christmas time. You have a wonderful Christmas. I read your writings on Grace and they were wonderful...God bless you!
Linda
__________________________________________________________________
Dear Friends and family, (From Linda)
Yesterday Gary and I went to UC-Davis for his interview/consultation with the transplant surgeon. The appt. went really well, the doctor was very helpful, 10+ years experience, very down to earth, is even going to modify the surgery to ensure Gary's left hand is not effected after the transplant. We are now officially on "stand by" for a transplant. We will be notified, to go to Davis asap and if the liver they have is a "good one" he will be transplanted immediately. There are times when the liver is not acceptable and they may send us home, a "false start" so to speak. The
nurse tells me that the odds are we will be called in the middle of the night.... and once I know Gary is going into the surgery for sure my son will call everyone for immediate prayer! If you'd prefer to be called after the surgery is over, please let me know asap. We can go anytime, although "B" type blood is very rare 5-10% of the population, so it may take a while (up to a year). The guy I met that was transplanted at Davis had B blood and was in surgery in two weeks!! So anything can happen. Thanks for all you love an support. You are the best! Linda

One evening about 10 P.M. I (Forest) received a phone call from Gary that he had an emergency. He was running some fever and had to get to a Hospital in San Francisco. I got to his house and we were off to San Francisco. The hospital knew of his coming and was prepared for him. I stayed with him for a couple of hours, when we decided that I should find a place to stay over night. I had a taxi take me to a hotel. The next morning I was with Gary again. The hospital wanted to have him stay over for a few days. I headed home that afternoon.
______________________________________________________________
Hello friends, (From Linda)
I am asking for prayer for Gary. He has been hospitalized 10 weeks
tomorrow. His Spirit is strong, his body and emotions are very strained. He has not been outside for a breath of fresh air in weeks. His friend in the ward was put into ICU today and the doctor gave him 30 days to live. Can you believe that? His name is Ernie, he is a Christian. I told Gary that I rebuke that in Jesus' name! No man knows what only Our Father knows! And doctors playing God and taking away hope makes me angry. This has grieved Gary as Ernie has the same blood type Gary does and Gary wants to let Ernie go ahead of him. This is my dear brother. Always thinking about everyone else before himself. Only the doctors can make that decision. There have been 4 patients who have died "pre" transplant in these 10 weeks. Gary has prayed with them all. Now Gary is the "old man" on the ward and next to go. The strain is hard to bear. Please lift him up whenever you think of him. He really, really needs extra prayer now. Thank you all for loving Gary. It should be soon now. I don't think anyone's waited longer than 12 weeks.
God bless you all.
Linda
P.S. For those of you who speak with my parents, please don't share this
information with them.
They are strained enough. I don't tell them everything.

Gary was eventually referred to California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. After many months of waiting, uncertainty, and poor health, he was finally admitted to CPMC on June 4th of 2001, and was placed on their waiting list for a liver transplant.

One afternoon, I (Forest) received a phone call from Linda that the San Francisco Hospital received a liver to transplant. They are checking to see if Gary can take it. She would call me back if it was a GO. I immediately without waiting for the answer got into my car and headed for San Francisco. It was funny that on my way to the city I got a phone call from Linda. The operation is on, we can go to Gary. I told her that I was half way there.

Being with Gary this evening was one of the most precious times in my life. I will never forget it. Some of his family members were there. The doctors gave notice that all was ready for the surgery. We gathered around Gary and took hands. I was asked to pray. I have never prayed this way before. I heard the words coming out of my mouth, but they were not mine. It was a most unbelievable experience.

We stayed at a sister’s house for the night. Came back the next morning. The doctors advised us to do this. The surgery came off without a hitch. Gary was just coming around. He was not that alert. I spoke and prayed with thanks giving with Gary. I then came back home.

After a 102-day waiting period, Gary finally received his liver transplant on September 13th. The operation was successful, and he has been getting progressively stronger and healthier ever since.
Home Church A non-denominational Bible teaching church
1799 S. Winchester Blvd., Suite 100 * Campbell, CA 95008 * (408) 370-1500

April 2, 2003

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to recommend to you Gary Pomeroy.

Gary is a dear friend and brother in the Lord who has attended Home Church for over 15 years. He has been a well loved, highly respected and active member of our congregation. He has a particular heart and ministry toward children, and has been a faithful and committed participant in our Children’s Ministry and pro-life ministry over these many years.

In 1993, at the age of 42, Gary was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a delayed complication from his difficult lifestyle prior to conversion. Over the years, his condition worsened and his health diminished as his liver was progressively dying from cirrhosis.

Gary was eventually referred to California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. After many months of waiting, uncertainty, and poor health, he was finally admitted to CPMC on June 4th of 2001, and was placed on their waiting list for a liver transplant. After a 102-day waiting period, Gary finally received his liver transplant on September 13th. The operation was successful, and he has been getting progressively stronger and healthier ever since.

This transplant episode has had a profound impact on Gary’s life. Certainly he is eternally grateful for the mercy and grace of God that has allowed him to live a longer and healthier life. He is grateful and humbled by the sacrifice and forethought made by the one whose organ now sustains him. But he is also grieved, knowing that the five dear people whom he met in his 102-day stay CPMC, those who were also waiting in hope, have since died because there were no donors available in their critical need.

Gary has a desire and passion to share with other believers, helping them to become aware of a great need and a tremendous witnessing opportunity. Christian organ donors have the opportunity to not only extend the life of an individual on this earth, but also to draw a donor, and his family and friends, to the Lord through their sacrificial gift and written legacy.

Gary would like the opportunity to briefly share this need and blessing with your congregation. Perhaps he could share for a short time during a Sunday morning or evening service, in an adult Sunday School class, or to a midweek Bible study or home group. I’m sure that Gary would be grateful for any opportunity that you might offer him. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and any courtesies extended to Gary.

Sincerely, George Kistler,
Gary S. Pomeroy
Pastor of Children’s Ministries
(408) 297-3212
Xpagan4christ@juno.com

Gary received no calls from this letter. His spirits are still up, and he gives his testimony everywhere he goes. He is a very humble servant of Jesus Christ, November 10, 2004. I am so grateful to my Lord for making him a true friend of mine.—Forest

Living The Surrendered Life—Oswald Chambers
Some Thoughts by Forest Steenfott

After Oswald’s death, Mrs. Kathleen M. Chambers took her husbands writings, speeches, studies and letters into book form. This is only a small part of the book.—Forest
“The Cross of Christ took on a new dimension to Oswald. No longer was it just a point of salvation; it became the place of self abandonment and surrender to the call of God. It was more than a place of forgiveness; it was a place of hallowed ground where he and we stand and willingly identify with Jesus Christ. It is where we "give up our right to ourselves" and die to self.
Out of this death comes life and the opportunity to live a Spirit-filled existence. (John 12:24) As we respond in obedience to God, He promises to lead and guide us through life with a sense of victory and hope. The times of trial, distress, and isolation are times God accomplishes His greatest work, when He molds us into the likeness of Christ.
"The one great need for the missionary (Chambers uses this term for those who have given their lives completely to Christ) is to be ready for Jesus Christ, and we cannot be ready unless we have seen Him." The way we come to see Jesus is through surrender. The blessing of living life abandoned to Him is to witness His daily power and grace alive and flowing through our lives into the lives of others.
In abandonment and surrender we find the unbridled soul—one not tempted by the treasures of the world, but bound to the grace and glory of the Savior. Oswald Chambers' message is one that still calls to us today. It is a call to leave behind everything outside of Jesus Christ:
"The battle is lost or won in the secret places of the will before God, never first in the external world. . . . Every now and again, not often, but sometimes, God brings us to a point of climax. That is the Great Divide in the life; from that point we either go towards a more and more dilatory and useless type of Christian life, or we become more and more ablaze for the glory of God - [Our] Utmost for His Highest."
I have read Oswald Chambers life story. There was one place in it that brought tears to my eyes. Oswald was very discouraged. God was not accepting Oswald’s artistry for ministry. He went off alone one night to pray. About two in the morning, he heard the voice of the Holy Spirit say, “I could use you, but I do not need you.” That will take the wind out of your sails. God did use Oswald Chambers mightily for God’s glory.

I Surrender All

All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;
    I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.
All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow;
    Worldly pleasures all forsaken, Take me Jesus, take me now.
All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
    Let me feel the Holy Spirit—Truly know that Thou art mine.
All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;
    Fill me with Thy love and power, Let Thy blessing fall on me.

I surrender all, I surrender all
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all


Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me.
    Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me;
Melt me, Mould me, Fill me, Use me
    Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me.

Audrey Orlando. Came Into My Life, and is Now Mrs. Audrey Steenfott:

One of the most singular events that happened in my life was when my wife Grace became tragically ill with an incurable fatal disease in 1996. I learned many lessons from it. One of the most significant was to lean more deeply on the faithfulness and love of our God. Also, coming to an intimacy with God. Then these years brought with it understanding and wisdom. Lastly, to come to the knowledge of the will of God. There are two verses that speak to these years I had great trials, Romans 8: 28 – 29 “And we know that all things (good or bad) work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” For the Christian, “all things work together for good—to be conformed to the image of his Son.” God’s desire for each of us is improving our character to be like Jesus. There is one more lesson from all of this, has to do with our gratitude. First Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18 “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
I had put my wife Grace into a nursing home on June 1997, because I could not provide 24-hour care as she was needing. I started looking for another church for fellowship. I came to my son’s church in Los Gatos. There was a lady that was promoting a mission ministry in the church. This ministry Aurora Communications International was building a radio station in Alaska to send the Gospel of Christ into all of Russia and China. She was asking for volunteers to go to Alaska to work on the project. I volunteered. We became friends through this experience. I made several trips with her to Alaska. I shared with her about the things that were happening with my wife’s illness.
Audrey had been married about seventeen years before our meeting, and a widow for twenty years. She had been a caregiver for her husband for many years before he died. She had raised three daughters and one son. I had three sons and one daughter.
Audrey had a gentleman doing her yard work and some house maintenance, but he had quit. She asked me if I would step in and do the same work. She would pay me for the work. I accepted the job. The job gave me other things to think about. I took Audrey to see my wife many times. The job and Audrey accompanying me to see Grace was a relief to me. Grace was almost like a vegetable. Even though without Audrey, I would go and sit with my wife just about every other day. Grace died December 13, 2001. Audrey and I became best friends because we both love the Lord and wanted to work in a church ministry.
I had two friends that stood with me during the long days and nights. They were Audrey Orlando and Gary Pomeroy. I also had a couple in Redding, California that adopted me. I would go to visit them from time to time.
Audrey and I got married January 4, 2003.

Audrey Orlando Steenfott is an Enrolled Agent for the IRS:

Audrey J. Orlando, PLS, CLA, EA, has prepared income tax returns for 20-plus years and passed the enrollment exam in 1983. She has been a member of Mission Chapter of Enrolled Agents since then. She owns National Tax Academy, a practice primarily involving individuals, small businesses, estates, and trusts.
She is also a professional legal secretary and Certified Legal Assistant.
Audrey has represented several hundred tax payers successfully throughout the United States in audits and appeals. She attended West Valley College, Canada College, San Jose State University and has taught legal secretaries, legal assistants, and Enrolled Agents through her associations with the Legal Secretaries Association of Santa Clara County, National Associations with Legal Assistants, and Metropolitan Adult Education.
Enrolled Agents are individuals licensed by the federal government to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Unlike lawyers or CPAs, Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation. Throughout the year they advise, represent and prepare returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. In California, for example, the more than 4,000 members of the California Society of Enrolled Agents prepare almost 2,000,000 tax returns each year. Enrolled Agents' expertise in the constantly changing field of tax law enables them to be effective representatives when taxpayers are audited by the IRS. Audrey had started her business in 1979 and passed the U. S. Tax Court exam to be able to represent taxpayers in Tax Court.
I wish to conclude that Audrey is very knowledgeable of the Bible. She had taught the Bible to a men’s and women’s Sunday school class in her church for eight years and had done pro boni accounting and legal work for Aurora, the Christian ministry for over twelve years.

One Opportunity to Help People:

I may not have a building, but the Lord Jesus through the Hole Spirit has provided an avenue of ministry for Forest R. Steenfott. I give glory and honor to the Father for this.

I Am Thankful to God—these have been the most memorable events in my life in recent years. Praise God! I am truly thankful to my God.
Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessing flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD! I AM A PASTOR!

The Opportunity to Pray with this Man was Just One Time.

I was living alone while my wife was in the nursing home. There were many evenings I would go out to a restaurant and order a dish of ice cream, banana split, or an apple-pie alamode. This one evening, I had the apple-pie a la mode on my mind. For some reason I had hesitated going out. At the time I was not sure why. I walked around the grounds of the apartment, which looks over the city of San Jose. It is quite a sight to see the lights of the city and airplanes coming into the San Jose airport.

All of the sudden I heard a word inside me saying “Go ahead and get your apple-pie alamode.” So, I went to the car to go to the restaurant. I walked into the restaurant and sitting before me was a black teacher of music at the school where I worked as a custodian. We both knew each other. I sat with him as he waited for a few other teachers to join him. He talked to me about his wife wanting to leave him, and wished that I pray for this problem. I told him I would. I told him that I would like to have him join in Bible study. There was no commitment made on his part.

The teachers did arrive, and I joined them at a table. When we had finished I walked out with my friend. While we were standing beside our car, I took him by his the arms and prayed for him. That was our last contact. I was no longer working at the school, because I was a caregiver to my wife. It appears that was all God wanted me to do.

The Opportunity to minister to a Young Writer was presented to me.

This was a married lady that was a pastor’s wife, who had several books to her credit. She was team teaching with another skilled lady writer at a Publishers and Writers Conference. Audrey and I were attending this conference. I went to this particular class, because it was on spirituality in writing.
I enjoyed what these two ladies were teaching. I had a problem that evening though. I started to cry over this young lady. I had no idea why. The Spirit of God gave me a concern for her. She sounded very spiritual to me.
I introduced myself to her, by telling her of my wife’s illness. Another young lady in the class overheard my conversation. Her husband had been injured in an accident, which may place her into longterm caregiving. Both of these ladies desired to correspond with me by e-mail.

The lady with the lady with the injured husband broke off with me when her husband was healing quickly. The writer teacher corresponded for some time. I did mention that both she and her husband were in two different ministries, going in two different directions. They had children, and being she is the wife, which scripturally gave her a responsibility to husband and family. Ephesian five and six take this issue. She gave me good answers to her calling from God.

One evening after dinner, I dropped into a Christian bookstore. I found a book on bringing life-styles of youth into adulthood. In some cases not good. I explained some of this out of this book. She wrote back thanking me for this information. She had never given thought to this before. Her parents drilled perfection into her young life. There was no room for mistakes. She understands that she was trying to live the same way, today. She was asking for God’s forgiveness. She thanked me for my help. That was the last I heard from her. That was to be the one time experience; God wanted me to share with her.

The Opportunity to Minister to a Young lady was presented to Become a Preacher.

I had the opportunity to attend a different church one Sunday. I had known some of these folks and the pastor from different occasions. There was a young woman that gave announcements. She also gave some spiritual words to the congregation. She had a dynamic voice. I spoke to her later that she should become a preacher. She did have some Bible Seminary education. I could tell that she had some Bible training.

Her husband sang a solo during the service. I learned later that he composed and sang many of his own songs. He had a good voice.

I asked her if I could right to her by e-mail on her husband and her going into ministry together. We correspond about two months. She was very taken by my words to her. I even gave her works by Ruth Paxson. She was a woman preacher back in the early 1900s. She had the reputation of being a pastor’s pastor.

I went out to dinner with her and her husband. I was looking into starting a house church. I invited them to come with me in this work. They turned me down. They wanted to be in a group situation for ministry. That was the end of our relationship.

I had spoken to other men and women to come with me in a house church ministry. All of them turned me down. I believe it was not to be.

I have many good friends; I truly am blessed:

Mr. John Marler has his own business in Computers. I met him through my working for Valley Christian Schools.

I had given John Marler some of my Bible teaching for his examination. I had mention that church minister’s refuses to even consider me as a worker. Forest R. Steenfott


Forest

I am sorry that I failed to take the time to study your document. I can sense the frustration you must be feeling due to the "organization" keeping you at arm's length and not allowing a venue of your gifts as instilled in you by the Holy Spirit. I, too, experienced this.

There is a growing neutering of the "organization" in America and the western world. Since President Johnson signed into law the denial of any non-profit to be able to express political views, the church has turned into an "ear tickler" and now the major thrust of any "organization" is (1) pay the bills and (2) maintain our tax-exempt status. as I read the Bible, the purpose of the preaching is to be a savor of life to those who know Jesus and the stench of death to those who oppose Jesus. The pastor is to equip the saints for the purposes of the ministry, yet no pastor that I have spoken to in recent history has visited his congregation in the work place to determine what he needs to do to equip them. The preaching does not lead us to evaluate our life before the throne of God; we are shown dramatic plays of how God works and illustrations now exceed the use of Scripture.

I have been led to have a Bible study that uses the Bible Only. We are going to show the CULTEXPLOSION of 3/4/03 to help our members understand that there IS another Jesus, another Gospel being preached. Other than that we expositorily open the "lamp" and only the lamp for guidance of our feet. God presumed that our feet needed it - that we would be moving and doing his will and following His commandment to carry the Gospel to everyone.

Somehow the word layman came into existence and allowed churches to divide the thinking into laity and ministry, indicating that ministry is done in the "organization" and denying the existence of the "ORGANISM" of the Body of Christ. No command or instruction by Jesus (or the Apostles) was ever delivered to ANYONE other than a businessman or woman. It was not the desire of God to have a paid staff that could assume the role of being closer to God that the lay person.

Your exposition was excellent, Forrest. The only problem is that it quotes the Bible in context, and most churches do not (1) think a layman and instruct a "minister" on the Bible or (2) doesn't care if the Bible backs up your statements and no layman can understand as well as the paid staff does. The Nicolatian heresy is t