| Biography |
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Name: Hamp Lee III Spiritual birth: April 27, 1997 Current profession: U.S. Air Force – Information Management (*this website does not constitute U.S. Air Force endorsement) Favorite foods: Chimichangas, my Grandfather’s ribs, and Grandmother’s Sock-It-To-Me cake Favorite colors: Gray, Navy Blue, and White Favorite pet: Sam, a fat and happy Samyoed Favorite book (besides the Bible): Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by David Garrow Favorite sport: Basketball Memorable Christian experience: Tres Dias, a three-day event celebrating the Christian life and service within the Christian community Most influential people: My Grandparents Hobbies: Drawing, Writing, Computer Graphics, and Photography Current Bible: King James Version
THE VISION
I had my first memorable encounter with God when I was seven years old. While playing at a park near my home, I looked at a church across from the park. I could see straight through the church - like the front of the building disappeared. The church had beautiful wood benches covered in red with colorful stained glass windows. I never noticed the stained glass windows from the outside (walking by), but they were brightly lit. I noticed a man in a gray suit leaning over on his left side. Then I heard a voice. It wasn’t a loud voice, but it was like a 'voice-less voice.' ‘YOU WILL BE A PREACHER.’ I simply nodded in agreement and continued playing. Though I had never been to a church, I understood what a preacher was.
SALVATION
By 1997, I had enlisted in the US Air Force as a C-130 Crew Chief and was stationed in Japan. I was married with a three-month old daughter. I had long forgotten about the vision and was living a life very contrary to a Disciple of Jesus. In March, my squadron scheduled me to go on a mission to Alaska for a month. I was assigned to an office position because I did not have the proper equipment to work on the flightline. During the trip, I met a Christian gentleman - Christopher White. We talked briefly for the first two weeks of the trip. He asked me if I would attend a church service with him and I quickly agreed. I don't know why I accepted because I was far from being a 'church-goer.' During that same period, I had been arguing with my wife. It was so bad that I contemplated going home early. I spoke to my supervisor about it and he told me that I could leave within the week. My mother-in-law was visiting us from North Carolina and when I told her I was returning, she told me to stay. When she said it, her voice echoed - it was strange, but convincing enough for me to stay. I attended the church service the following week and it seemed alright. I agreed with the message, but I didn't pay much attention to what was going on around me. I remember walking into Chris' dorm room during the week and a movie about Sodom and Gomorrah was on - 'what is going on?' We just turned the TV on and there it was...Chris pulled out his Bible to show me where the story was located - though there was some added 'stuff' in the movie. While sitting in the room, I kept hearing this voice, 'YOU'RE BEING SETUP, YOU'RE BEING SETUP.' I figured I was too, but I didn't understand why or who was behind it. After I attended a second service, I was hooked. I wanted to become a Christian because I knew God could fix my marriage. I had tried everything else, but I didn't try God. My wife thought it was a cheap 'ploy' to get on her good side. (Sadly, my decision wasn't based on the recognition of my state of sinfulness or needing a Savior (Jesus Christ). I do understand that God used my need of a healed marriage to draw me to Him.) Three weeks later (April 27, 1997), I 'gave' my life to Christ at the church of my wife's supervisor, even though I still didn't have a proper understanding about Jesus or the 'Christian' faith. People would walk up to me and ask me if I was saved. In my head I was thinking, 'Saved, what's that?' I was too embarrassed to ask. I heard a lot of new terms and saw things I didn't understand. It was a difficult adjustment for me because I did not grow up in church.
THE CALL
Almost eight months later, I accepted God's 'calling' to preach the gospel. As I felt the calling to preach upon me, I tarried over the decision for months. I wanted to ensure I was being appointed by God because I knew a wrong decision could hurt other people. |
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