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Jen G: That's such an encouragement!
Maria Long: The reason I asked for 7 is because I lacked such
faith. I'm such a planner I dated my husband for 5 years before
marrying, graduated and went to college!
Jen G: One of the things that really stand out about you is how
you grew up in a Christian environment. I can so relate to
growing up in the church with all my family saved around me. I find
it so inspiring that you wrote your first song, The Bible Is The Best
Book at the age of 2! Do you remember when and why you
asked Jesus into your heart at such a young age?
Maria Long: I think when you see your parents and how much they
love God it affects you. I had parents that would seek God in
prayer and when we had hard times or good times they
praised Him and taught me to see Him in every situation.
So I learned from them how to experience God daily.
Jen G: Now growing up your parents took you and your sisters
with them as they ministered in song in different churches, I
know more often than not a lot of young people who grow up
in their families ministries turn away once they become older.
Why do you think you turned to Jesus instead of away from
Him?
Maria Long: I think because I realized I needed
Him from the beginning and I knew my life
would be so much better if I stayed close to Him
I realized that He is where the answers are to
everything. He's the only thing that ever gave
me peace.
Jen G: Amen! You said that at the age of 12
you asked your father should you be baptized,
what led up to that moment and would you
call that a defining moment in your life?
Maria Long: Yes! I was such a spoiled brat up
till that point so my sisters said (laughs) and
my dad said that when I went to their evangelistic
meetings I started taking God very
seriously. And I felt Him moving on my heart
and knew He had a plan for me personally. My
parents said I was different after that! (Laugh’s)
I guess not as much of a brat!
Jen G: You have to love family always telling it
like it is!
Maria Long: I know my family does! I was
allowing Christ to change me.
Jen G: That's so the way it should be too, allow-
ing Him to change you!
Maria Long: It's amazing to me how He does!
You know how He sees value in us and knows
what we can be, if we let Him in!
Jen G: Yeah, that's very true. Now I know your
family runs a mission. What was it about the
hearts of your parents that gave you the desire
to also be a witness of God’s loving kindness?
Do you think that being among those who were
need not only financially but also spiritually
made you appreciate your family and God
more?
Maria Long: I think when you are involved in
ministry there is nothing like that having God
work through you. You can try to get that
fulfillment through something else but it doesn't
happen.
Being around people and kids who were in
need spiritually and physically definitely made
me appreciate my parents and the things that
I've been given made me realize not to take
what I have for granted because the kids we
visited were so poor it broke my heart.
We would go to houses and take groceries,
me my little sister and my dad and they wouldn't
have electricity. They didn't have any food
except for what we brought them.
My dad taught us compassion at an early age!
Maria Long Part 2: Letting Your Life Be A Witness
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