Mark Engel:  

In October of '73, partway into 7th grade, my family moved out of Maywood and St. Eulalia to west of St. Charles, IL. Entering public school for the first time, mid-way into a 7th grade, was a shock. There appeared to be no discipline compared to St. Eulalia and Sister Mary Patricine (who could forget Sister Patricine?). Not only did I move from Catholic to public schools, but also from Maywood to rural farmland, it was all quite a shock culturally. Around the age of 14 I started getting into trouble and in time just partied my way through high school. Was it out of boredom, or just trying to fit in? I don't know, but spent much time doing stuff I knew better than to do. Shortly after high school I moved out on my own to get away from the rules of my family. Within a couple of months, one of my wilder friends from high school showed up at my apartment and told me that Jesus had changed his life. I didn't know what to think or say, but listened just to be polite. It wasn't long before this friend took me to gathering of people where some guy was speaking about the reality of God (vs religion) and the seriousness and reality of sin, and the significance of Jesus and what He did to provide for the forgiveness of our (even my) sins. I intensely sensed the Spirit of God was calling me, and that it was no game. I k...Expand for more