Jim "DoughBoy" Brady; born in Buffalo, N.Y. in July of 1956, I came from a broken home, and was raised by my mother and grandfather, back then this was not a common practice. While searching for my purpose I got involved, (like so many others) in many areas that I had no business in. My testimony is very similar to many of yours. In 1973 after dropping out of High School I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After boot camp and school, I was assigned to the USS Duluth, stationed in San Diego, Ca.

After returning from a West Pac tour and the evacuation of Viet Nam, I made some poor decisions and ended up in some very serious trouble. In 1977 with God at the helm I accepted the fact that God must have had His hand on my life. It took me a while to see this. I say this because several times God spared my life and brought me through situations that could have taken me out.

Later I found in Jerimiah 29:11, (NLT*) "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord." "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope." This was the first time I had heard the fact that God still loved me and that He had a plan for my life. So like many others I surrendered my mind to this Good News message. You see I could have missed this whole life changing experience by 18 inches, but in 1984, I discovered that God was still waiting for me, (what a patient God.) This was the year, I asked Jesus to forgive me and to come into my heart, and He did. This was when the plans started getting clearer. In 1986 I entered into Bible School and for the next 2 years studied God’s word. In 1988, I graduated and was ordained into ministry. This alone was a major accomplishment.

Life was still not perfect. A divorce after 16 years, (which caused another broken family), and later, the suicide of a very close friend, I found out that God was still there. How wonderful God is and always true to His Word. He said He would never leave me or forsake me. People and life may leave or change but God never does. (Thank God).

In 1997, God introduced me to a wonderful woman, and we married in 1999.We have been going strong ever since. Donna and I, along with our children have been through many valleys, yet strive to walk out our faith and believe me when I tell you, we have been fire tested along the way. We have been involved and hurt by church and ministry, but have held onto our faith and God’s Word. The reason this has been shared is to let you see that Christians will go through storms, trials and situations, but when you build your life on the Word, you’ll make it through. God has never forsaken us, and today due to His plans and our desire to walk with Him we have launched out further.

Donna Jean and I have founded and pastor a church in Saginaw, Texas known as Harbor Light Family Church. This church is a perfect place for not so perfect people. Our heart is to walk with you and help restore your hope and faith in God. We know first hand that His love is the same yesterday, today and forever.