Denny Lockwood // Testimony

In 2012 I visited my son in the USA to determine if I may want to move here with his family permanently from South Africa. I applied for immigration to the USA and the whole process took 3 years and 4 months. God taught me about prayer and patience during this time. (Ecclesiates 3:1-8). In mid April of 2015 I was granted immigration status and set out for the USA, landing here on April 30.

I found Cornerstone soon after arriving here. Jim Knight was one of the first people to make me feel at home. I also made some friends when I joined a cGroup at Ray and Denise Minnich’s home. Cornerstone members are definitely a family. I felt very welcome and at home right from my first visit. I decided to become a Ministry Partner and give my time and talents to God. One of those talents God gave me is being able to crochet blankets. I started making blankets for Cornerstone to give as needed. It turned into another ministry opportunity for the church. I am so blessed to know my talent is being enjoyed by others!

I started work in 2016 and was enjoying being able to spend time with my grandchildren. Then, over time, life stepped in and things went a little sideways. Eventually, I found myself having to work full time so as to be able to pay rent for an apartment. I saw less and less of my son and my grandchildren. Eventually I decided that being alone and lonely was not what I signed up for.

When talking about our church’s challenge when we had to move from our previous building, Pastor Jacob has mentioned a few times in his sermons that changing direction is nothing to be ashamed of. Even if you prayed and headed where you thought you should be, but then you had to pray for another direction.

For many reasons, I came to this crossroad in early 2021.

The Lord has walked with me up to and through this crossroad as I prayed about a change I was thinking may be best. I embraced the thought that if God could do what he did for Cornerstone when he brought us out of our old building to the school and now to our current property, then he would look after me just as well.

As I prayed for all the people connected to my personal crossroads to know the right direction, I asked God if going back to South Africa was the right thing for me to do. God has shown me things and has made it possible for me to go forward with plans to return to South Africa. My family there has been very supportive and I will be staying with them when I return.

I could have let the situation make me bitter but I chose better. Only God in my life has made this possible. (Proverbs 19:21)

My prayers have changed from asking to saying thank you for everything and every day!