By Robert Klynsmith
CAPE TOWN, South Africa--It began 30 years ago during my national service at Lenz military camp.
While on guard duty I marveled at the star-studded sky, and remember pondering about the life and destiny of humankind.
I yearned for truth that seemed so elusive, and unanswered questions plagued me. What was the purpose of life? What lay beyond the grave? Would I cease to exist after death?
At this time a friend introduced me to the magazines and booklets from the Worldwide Church of God. I devoured everything I could get my hands on and studied the Bible with enthusiasm. A whole new world opened up with answers to my haunting questions.
I began attending services with the WCG, was baptized and went to Britain to study at Ambassador College, Bricket Wood. I returned to South Africa in 1973 and spent six years working for a large corporation in the field of management and human resources.
In 1981 I was asked to join the full-time ministry. It was not an easy decision, as I was reveling in the challenge of my newly found career, and I recall pounding the streets of Johannesburg with my mind reeling.
My thoughts flashed back to the watchtowers at the Lenz military camp and my initial calling.
Finally it dawned upon me ... what a privilege it will be to become an instrument in God's hands in bringing the message of hope to the hopeless and to help others grow in Christ. And so I entered the ministry.
Suddenly, in the early '90s, my spiritual world was turned upside down. Members of the WCG found themselves in a period of major transformation under the leadership of Joseph W. Tkach. Core beliefs of our church were being challenged.
The changes dug deeply into what I had regarded as a firm spiritual foundation. Was I leaving the faith? What about the enormous sacrifices I had made as a member of the WCG? And the many years of research into the word of God? Was it all in vain? My spiritual foundation was shattered, and I cried out to God to help me out of this spiritual wilderness.
I was deeply aware of my urgent need to examine my long-held belief system with an open mind and with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Once again I delved into the word of God and became painfully aware that our beliefs were based on wrong assumptions.
In the words of Joseph Tkach Jr.: "We attempted to relate to God through old covenant rules and regulations. In his mercy, God has shown us that the old covenant obligations do not apply to Christians who are under the new covenant. He has led us into the riches of his grace and a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ."
Out of the ashes of despair we are beginning to experience spiritual renewal. A rebirth has taken place in my own spiritual life that runs far deeper than ever before.
My identity has shifted from relating to God through old covenant rules and regulations, to Jesus Christ as my central focus. Living in Christ and enjoying a deep intimate relationship with him has brought about a real personal change from the heart.
Aug. 19, 1997, WN, page 11
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