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{mosimage}38 years ago, at approximately 11:00 a. m., on February 4, 1966, as the cold wind blew snow flurries around the Chicago area, a new life came into the world. I was the second of seven children in my small family. I guess my parents took the book Cheaper by the Dozen too literally! Growing up in a family of seven children will leave you with many stories to tell, some which bring a smile, and a few which bring tears.

My life as a young child was a happy one. I learned to walk, to talk, and to make a total mess of my parents' house as most children do. All those days were rather typical, the sun shone, the birds sang, and it even rained occasionally. It seemed all would be fine. My life would be normal. I would probably grow up to be a billionaire tycoon.

My name is Paul Huggins. I was born in Hastings in July 1961. My upbringing was working class with two fathers and one mother, as my Dad left when I was 2 years old, but fortunately he came to take me out and we would go to his house, 'my brother and I', for Sunday tea. A treat to have tinned salmon sandwiches! as this was considered a luxury.

By the time I was 9 I was playing truant from school, off picking strawberries to sell house to house on Sundays for extra cash to keep for spending mostly on cream cakes for when I did go to school to give them away.

Note from Pastor Tim:  This testimony is the powerful and gripping story of the difference Jesus Christ has made, and is making, in the life of the man who's story it is.  All reading it will be greatly impacted.  Some may be left feeling unsettled or vulnerable due to the stirring up of recent or long past memories.

Paul said in Romans 5:20&21, "The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  The testimony that follows is indeed a testimony to God's grace.

(Note from Pastor Tim:  I met Septer Sanabuky - pictured on the right with his wife - when he and a group of singers from Indonesia ministered at our church in February of 2000.  I have fond memories of the meal we shared at church with the group and the time we spent together the next day showing them some sites around our community. I count it an honor to have gotten to meet such a faithful man who so totally offered his life to and for Jesus Christ.)