Testimony of Jacob Warren Busskohl
I was born Aug. 27, 1980, in Norfolk, NE. I grew up in Columbus, NE. We were always moving from house to house back in those days, trying to get comfortable. There was never any talk about God or Jesus in our household. The only church we ever went to was the Catholic Church, when we visited my grandparents. There were no bibles in the house or anything like that. Only booze and other drugs were worshiped until I was 12 years old. That is when my mom got and stayed drug and alcohol free.
I took hold of that life-style most of my adult life. I’ve been to ten drug and alcohol treatment centers, 7 county jails, 3 prisons, in and out of many different 12 step programs, 1 mental institution, 3 halfway houses, and moved all over the state trying to find freedom from my life-style of sin. No matter where I went, there I was.
Then on December 17, 2012 I was living at the Columbus Rescue Mission, not quite knowing what I should do or where I should go. I felt like there was absolutely no hope for my situation.
That morning I went to 8am Chapel given by Chaplain Dave Porter. All I remember from Chapel were the words “I can save you.” So I asked, “How does a person get saved?” Immediately after Chapel they sat me down with a man everybody called “Coop.” I cried thru his whole talk. I felt the grace of God immediately. God must have been holding me trying to let me know everything is going to be fine. I left that morning got a job remodeling Hotel rooms. I ended up making $60.00, then went and got high! I learning a valuable lesson, “You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:20
I stayed in my miserable existence for a 1 month. Every day of that month was worse then I’ve ever known. It was like Jesus and Satan battling for my soul. Jesus had plans for me and at the end of 30 days. All the people I associated with shut their doors in my face not wanting anything to do with me. I now know it was the Power of God that was shutting those doors.
I returned back to the Columbus Rescue Mission ready to surrender my life to Christ. I told Chaplain Ted, “I need this life to die and be taught a New way of Life.” I moved here to York that Wednesday, and have been absolutely re-born—100% new! Jesus Christ has been talking to me everyday thru the Holy Spirit, and other fellow Christians. I’ve been reading the Bible and praying to God everyday. I take no credit at all for this transformation, all the credit I give to God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Beautiful Holy Spirit that lives inside my soul. “‘His word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1Tim 1:12-14
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 1Tim 1:15-17
When I first read those few lines that Paul wrote to Timothy I immediately felt Paul was talking about me! And the peace that followed was phenomenal, because I immediately felt safe, loved, and apart of something Powerful, all at the same time.
I must give a special thanks to all my new family that the Lord has blessed me with: Chaplain Ted, Chaplain Dave and everyone at both the Living Water and Columbus Rescue Missions. Thank you to Pastor Titus and my church family at the York 1st Christian Church. Thank you, Mom, Adam, and Adriene, I love all of you dearly! BUT MOST OF I THANK JESUS CHRIST FOR SAVING ME!
Jacob, the “new creation”
