JANE GILLUM
I knew very little of my father.  My Mom had divorced him.  Mom worked hard to keep the family together.  These were years of hardship and moving around a lot.  I went to Church as I believed in God.  My Mom put me in a boarding School.  She was no longer able to keep all of us together.  When I was out of High School, she signed me up in the US Navy.  It was there I met my husband.  He seemed to be the answer to my loneliness.

For awhile our marriage was good.  Then he was discharged.  We went to live with his family.  It didn't work out.  We moved seven times, once across the country to California, and back to Illinois.  He had a hard time keeping jobs.  He began drinking a lot.  My life became desperate.  One day my kids wanted to go to Vacation Bible School at a nearby Church.  I was invited to the closing program.  The people were so nice.  Just what I needed.  I went the next Sunday and God was talking to me but I had fear about doing the right thing.  I couldn't sleep and by mid week I had to go see the pastor.  At some point I gave my life to Jesus.  For the first time I had Joy.  Yet my troubles were not over.  My husband still had his problems.  He went with me to Church once in a while and then quit.  He let me our kids go.  Things got worse.

He wanted to be free and divorced me.  I was very unhappy and I didn't stop him.  I had very few options.  One daughter lived here in Streator.  So I took my youngest daughter and came here.  God had had his Hand on me.  I got a job and place to live.  I started to go to church here where I got spiritual food at last.  I repented of my sinfulness, and Jesus was merciful to me.  He has provided for me ever since.  My joy is to be dedicated to His Service.  Now I have a Father in heaven that I can depend on.  Praise His Holy Name!