Testimonies
For over a quarter of a century, we’ve endeavored to be a blessing to churches and teenagers by coming alongside of them and doing the work of the ministry. Here we would like to provide an opportunity for you to share with us what God has done in your heart through one of our programs. No doubt your testimony will be a blessing to someone else and to us. If you’ve got a testimony to share, we’d love to hear it. Simply leave a comment on this page, and we’ll do the rest.
The War of Special Forces has definitely changed my life forever! I have never been this happy in my life! God has became so real to me and continues to amaze me everyday! I got everything right with my parents and I got rid of alot of bitterness! I’m so thankful for all the people that are involved in this ministry! Without you, I dont know where I’d be in my relationship with God! I love all of you! And I will be praying for yall!:)
I really enjoyed when this team came to Calvary Christian School. They helped my life so much. I found what God is calling me to be. Thank you for everything.
Hearing Josh’s testimony really hit me hard because I finally gave up my music. I’m tired of it! And telling my mom last night, was just like this big burden came off of me. Going into the prayer room this morning, just talking to God, finally with the music out of the way, just really, really…like I got through to Him. The Lord just really touched my heart!
This past week I made a decision to like make better decisions in my life and to be an example to other people and opening up to things I did wrong in the past so that other people might follow after me and I would be a good leader for God.
When Jim Van Gelderen was talking about getting right with people, God was actually convicting me to get right with certain people, too. And like this morning, I went to the prayer room and started praying and I wanted God to like break me because something was resisting in my heart that I wasn’t going to break. But today I realized that I don’t get that guilt out of my life, that God would not bless me and I would not be successful when I grow up. So today, praise the Lord, I got right with the people I need to get right with and you don’t know how the joy just filled my heart. And two nights ago, I got right with my dad and our relationship is better than ever! And like joy just fills! Praise the Lord!
Before I came to the WAR of Special Forces, I used to play around with the Bible and take it as a joke. And then Wednesday, I came and got saved.
I got saved 2 days ago. I can tell you that my heart is lighter ever since I got saved. And my soul is not empty any more. It has joy and happiness. And I want to thank the Lord for that.
On Wednesday he preached on bitterness and I’ve had bitterness towards my friends, but not just my friends, but my family members. I would pray just a bunch of words and I would just go back to doing the same thing the next day. And in middle school I became much worse and I was blaming all my friends for me doing what I was doing, but it was me because I was making the wrong decisions. And I wasn’t exactly brought up in the right kind of family, but now I know that I’m in the right kind of family and I love it. And I’m glad I have a mom and dad that love me. And I’m glad I have sisters that love me and to hug every day and to see their faces.
Yesterday I made a decision to get rid of all of my sin in my life. The Lord knows what I’ve been doing behind my parents’ back: listening to bad music, hanging with the wrong friends,…doing bad stuff on the internet…And I got right with every single one that I gossiped about. I told my parents I’ve been doing things behind their backs and they forgive me. And I have joy in my life. And God has helped even though I’ve been weak. God has helped me through everything.
God had convicted me today. I had been hiding things behind my parents’ back and I finally got it right with them. It was my music. I’ve been just listening to bad music, hanging with bad friends. And they’ve been influencing me badly. I got rid of my bad friends, got right with my parents and now there is a burden lifted off me because of Jesus Christ.
I felt so uplifted after this week. I really love how these people are helping teens understand the Word of God.
Last year, the War of Special Forces came to my school/church. It was a great experience, especially the preaching in chapel. God spoke to me about respecting my mother, and honoring her. I have been called to serve for God and spread the Gospel.
The War of Special Forces came to my school three years ago when I was in 8th grade. At that time, I could feel God working in my heart, but I didn’t do anything about it. Over the past 3 years, I have gone to camps every summer. I would make decisions while I was there, but because of my strong will, I decided I would not let God help me. I was going to do it all on my own. Well, I can’t–that’s just the plain and simple truth. I can’t do it on my own. This week i got right with God. He showed me that I had bitterness in my life against people that I had never known was there. But, I think the biggest decision I made this week was this. In the past, I started telling God, “No, I will never be a missionary.” This week, he laid it on my heart again. Now, I’m ready and will go wherever God wants to send me, no matter what.
Thank you for sharing the truths in God’s word at my church. I was a volunteer who was praying for God to do His work during the meetings. Little did I know that God would use your ministry to change my life! A teen gave the testimony that Bro. Van Gelderen preached to them about bitterness and having a forgiving spirit. A fellow volunteer showed me Bro. Van Gelderen’s sermons could be found online. I went home and listened to them. God used to those sermons to show me where bittnerness and other sins had crept into my life. Thank you and may God bless Minutemen Ministries!
When I think back to that awesome week we had, I just want to cry. Thanks for coming to our school and having such a great impact on so many students. Some of my closest friends made amazing decisions along with myself. May God be with this team for many more years. Please, come again!
This has been one of the greatest weeks in my life. You guys amaze me! It was awesome–God did great things!
I had tons of fun at the War of Special Forces! I wish they could come to our church every year! It was amazing to see what God did in our lives this past week.
I loved the War of Special Forces! I feel so different–it changed my life! I love what you guys are doing.
The War was at my church last week. I had a blast! This week, God spoke to me about my anger and bitterness. Through God, I know that I will be able to fight my sin, because God says so in Phil. 4:13.
The War just finished tonight at my school, and words cannot describe how thankful I was to have them come. I was convicted to overcome “the fear of man” and stand up for God! God bless the team as they continue their journey!
I gave testimony before of how God changed our school through the War of Special Forces. We were taking every step possible to keep each other accountable. Well, we started a prayer group, which Anna Marie talks about in detail in her testimony on here. The “Maturing-in-Christ” prayer group has been going strong for over a year now. It’s amazing to see how God has continued to work here. In fact, we are working on getting some of the kids out and evangelizing this Summer. Pray that God continues to work in us and through us.
The Lord worked in my life about my attitude towards my mom. I sure am glad that the Lord worked in my heart about this subject, because I had been feeling miserable. The War was great–they came at just the right time.
The team was at my school this week and I made a change. I got saved a two days before they arrived, but when they came, they showed me how to be a better Christain. I have learned how to keep my trust in God no matter what. Sometimes, bad things will happen in your life, but they happen for a reason. You will face many troubles, but keep trusting God! I thank the team for helping me walk with God.
The War of Special Forces came to our church last week. It was so much fun! They were a great encouragement to me! All the messages had a great impact on me. I can’t wait until next time you guys come!
I loved The War! They just finished at my school. I made some decisions and so did my other friends. I cant wait until they come back to my school!
About a week ago, The War of Special Forces team came to my school. I speak for many when I say that some started off the week with trepidation about what was to come. I, on the other hand, was excited, not just for the competitions, but to hear God’s Word. The Lord really used Jim Van Gelderen to minister to many people, my friends, to me, too. I just wanted to give you all a great big thank you.
The War just ended and the Lord did a great work this week. Close to 20 were saved this week. Praise the Lord!
Any time the team has come to my church there’s been a change for the better.
The War of Special Forces was at my church this week and tonight was the last night! This morning in chapel Mr. Van Gelderen spoke about bitterness toward God and others. God worked in my heart about being bitter toward my parents. I got it right with God first, then I talked to my parents about treating them like trash. My parents said they had been praying for me for a long time! They said all was forgiven and tomorrow is a new day! Thank you!
I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet the men and women of Special Forces. It changed my life along with many others at my school. They helped me understand why we need not to fear man because no matter what God will always be there.
The War of Special Forces came to a church near my town. A friend and I went there after one of the leaders came up to us. My friend and I loved the games. We beat six girls in Tube Tug! Also, it was so amazing what we learned from the preacher!
The War of Special Forces came to my school last week, and let me tell you, it was amazing!! God is definitely working through these guys. My school, which was in such a huge need of spiritual revival, is turning around. People who wouldn’t even give God a chance accepted him, and others who were so far away from His will made huge decisions (myself included). A friend of mine and I have started a girls prayer group and are trying to keep God in our lives and actions.
The War of Special Forces was awesome! I had so much fun all week. I just wanted to say thank you guys so much for helping me get right with the Lord and living completely for Him.
The team was at my school this week. I made many decisions that changed my life. I decided to deal with all the sin in my heart. Purity was a major one. Emotionally, Mentally, and physically. Please pray for me.
The War of Special Forces just finished up at my school today. It was so amazing! I made many decisions and changed my life!! They really helped me see how I do not need to fear man and I can stand up for what’s right. I went to two teachers the other day and asked them to forgive me because I had cheated on their tests and quizzes. I hope they come back to my school soon!
The War of Special Forces came this week to my church and school. God worked in my life so much! I want to thank the team for the example that they set for me. I can feel God’s presence now, and I always want to have that feeling. It feels amazing! I had unconfessed sin that I made right. I’m so glad that i made that decision. I also made the decision that I don’t need to fear others. I have already stood up for what was right. I just got back from the last meeting and I wish that it would never end, but God is there for me. Thank you so much team for letting God use you in this way. I can’t describe how much God has been working in my life.
The War of Special Forces was great. I’m really glad they came. If they didn’t, i wouldn’t have the courage to face what I did in the past. I had a lot of things in my life that just happened last year, during the summer. Every day I felt horrible and disgusted of what I did. When the team members gave their testimonies, I realized that God could forgive me. That Thursday, I got saved. The sin I committed really ate me up inside and I didn’t know how to take it any more. I’m glad they showed me the way to the Lord. During the bonfire, I gave my first testimony. At the end, I think I actually helped some of my friends come to God too. I’m really thankful for God and I’m glad I let Jesus take away that horrible sin.
When Special Forces first came to my school, I thought, “Oh well, this is weird,” because I had never heard of something like this going on before. The public schools I went to never did stuff like this. I was saved when I was 11 at a youth conference. But even then, I felt like something was keeping me from going all the way to God. My mom and dad got divorced five years ago. At first, he did make an effort to spend time with my sister and I. Then, after about a year, he stopped calling or coming by to see us. It seemed like he just didn’t care anymore. A while after, I had so much bitterness in my heart toward my dad that I cried just at the thought of him because it hurt so much. Then, when the sermon on bitterness was preached, it took all of me to not cry like a baby right then and there. Afterward, I talked to one of the counselors and she listened and understood me and really helped me through my problem. I’ll never forget her. I asked God to take this bitterness away from me. My dad not being there was also a burden on my mom because she knew how much it hurt me. But Friday night, we did the bonfire and I gave my testimony. That’s when I knew it was the right time to tell my mom how I’ve let go of the bitterness holding me back from knowing God fully. I haven’t felt this way in a long time. Special Forces has helped me through something I never thought I could get over. I pray that God be with them and that other people will receive the same blessing that I have.
I had a great time this week while you were at my church and thank you for preaching good messages. It changed my life around. On Sunday I went forward during the invitation and I rededicated my life to God. Thank you!!!!! I can’t wait until next time!
The War of Special Forces was fun! I can’t wait ’til they come back!
The War of Special Forces impacted my life in so many ways the week that they ministered to us. I had been backsliding, and I stopped believing and trusting in God. I was a poor example to my peers in my school. But the first day, God got a hold of my heart and started cleaning it. I got right with God, and I began to pray that God would send revival to our school. We needed it very badly! The very next day, we experienced it! God was so good! He radically changed our school and set us on fire for Him. During Friday’s rally, many of us got up and gave testimonies about what God did in our hearts that week. Well, God moved in that, and someone from our school got saved because she saw God work in us. God gave me such incredible joy and peace that week. It is so wonderful to have nothing between you and God! I am looking forward to being used by God and our school being used by God in the future. We are now having prayer and Bible studies every day in school, and that never ever happened before. It is amazing to see God moving in our school and using us to influence others around us. I want to thank Dr. Jim and the team so much for coming to our school and reaching out to the kids in our community. Many kids got saved and are attending our church. Thanks for being concerned for the high school and for helping us get right with the Lord. You don’t realize how much you are appreciated and loved here. We hope to continue growing and maturing in our Lord Jesus Christ until God calls us home to live with Him for all eternity.
The War was one of the best things that happened in my life. I got saved and it changed my life. Can’t wait for next time!
During the War of Special Forces, my school was in the process of getting right with the Lord and along with my friends, we definitely accomplished that! =) Thanks to Jim Van Gelderen and the team. We will never forget how all of you brought us closer to God!
The War was so exciting and fun. I had a great time and the spiritual teaching was awesome because now i know what to do with my life and stuff. Thank you, Dr. Jim, for the preaching.
The War of Special Forces was so fun! I had a great time and experienced great spiritual growth. I had some things in my life that i needed to get rid of, and through Dr. Jim, I got right with the Lord. I’m very thankful and a lot happier.
This year I experienced my second “War” and the impact it had on me was no less than the first time. I had so much fun, and it brought a revival to my school. I along with several others have seen revival happen before, but only to fade away a few weeks later. This time, though, we are committed. We are taking every step possible to keep ourselves accountable to each other and not let any of us fall off the straight and narrow path. And it’s all thanks to Dr. Jim, the team and God’s grace. Thank you.
The War of Special Forces was so much fun. I am glad that I was able to participate in it because this is my last one. So many were able to get saved and everyone had a great time. The team captains, counselors, Dr. Jim and his family were of such a great influence and testimony to us all.
We had a fantastic week at The War of Special Forces. Sixteen souls were saved and many teens got right with the Lord. If you ever have the chance to schedule or to attend the War, don’t miss out. Our school and youth department have experienced revival. Thank you to the entire Minutemen team.
I loved The War of Special Forces and can’t wait until it comes back. I was so happy that I was on the winning team. Go Rangers!
The War of Special Forces was awesome and was a lot of fun for me. I think that Tube Tug was the best game that they did. The War of Special Forces really opened my heart as well and God was able to get through to me and He helped me with a lot of stuff in my life that I needed to get right with the Lord, my parents, and my brothers and sisters.
God did a wonderful work in our church, as well as in our school, and in our youth group. The War is awesome, everything about it is awesome. The Evangelist and the workers are just simply great. Thanks for coming here to our church. God came down and did a mighty work. I was just glad to be a part of it. If you have a chance to go to The War, I would highly recommend it. Please come and be a part of it, and you will love it.
The War of Special Forces was so much fun! I loved the games and everything else, but I also learned about God and that Jesus died for us. It was so much fun! I’m definitely looking forward to it in 2 years.
I love The War, not only the games and food but the time in God’s Word. The Lord has showed me many things through The War.
Let me tell you I had an awesome time with the War of Special Forces! I learned a lot about God, too, and what He can do for me if I will let him and what I can do to better to please Him. The games were SO much fun! Don’t miss out. If you get a chance, go! This is something I will definitely do again.