TOPIC 1: Motivational

TOPIC 2: Evangelism

TOPIC 3: Faith

 

Bret C. Merkle

Pathema Ministries

PO Box 220

47236 274th Street

Harrisburg, SD 57032

605-368-5144  or  866-PATHEMA

Born: 1965, M/F: Male

EXPERIENCE: Since 1987

DENOMINATION: Non-Denominational Christian

COST: Free Will Offering

bret@pathema.com

BIO:

May 15, 1986 was a normal day for most, but for me, it was the day my life was turned upside down and inside out. I was in a motorcycle accident that left me paralyzed. I was in the hospital for 6 months, went through 20 surgeries and months of physical therapy. After years of reconstructive surgery, I still lost my right leg.

God used the suffering to show me how to live for Him. I learned that God uses suffering to mold His children just as the potter molds the clay. God taught me to pick up my cross daily and follow Him.

Yes, that humiliating cross that represents an unjust and painful death. God wants all of His children to come to the place where they are willing to give up their lives and even die a humiliating death for His glory. The result for us is unexplainable peace and joy.

To this day I suffer the physical effects of my injuries. I now walk with a cane, a prosthesis and a leg brace after doctors told me it was statistically impossible for me to ever walk again.

My story is not about suffering, but rather, it is about how God uses suffering to perfect our faith. God loves us and will stop at nothing to reach us and perfect us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. (1Pet 1:7 & Rom 8:28-29)

Through it all, I learned that Hope, Purpose and Focus are the keys to living our lives effectively for Christ. Amidst the suffering, we can be set free by the truth (Jn 8:32) if we:

1. Hope in Christ, 2. Have our Purpose for Christ, and 3. Keep our Focus on Christ.

Without Hope, I would have never gotten past the negative advise of the doctors who told me to forget walking and accept life in a wheelchair.

Without Purpose to walk again for Christ's glory, I would have never gotten out of that wheelchair.

Without Focus I would have given in the longing to end my life to get away from all the pain. God taught me that life is wonderful when we Focus outward on God and others, instead of inward on ourselves and our circumstances. That is true love!

Today I am married to a wonderful Godly woman and have 3 beautiful daughters (another on the way). God has also given me success as a trial lawyer.

The Living Risen Savior has shown me victory and freedom by the power of His word!

God promises us the abundant life in John 10:10. He does not say we will live trouble free lives if we trust in Him. Instead, He promises us we will be set free from the bondages of sin, doubt, worry, fear and the like if we simply believe His truth and live it in our lives.

That is abundant living.

www.pathema.com