What is my passion? Actually, I have many. My first and most important passion is quite simple. I want everyone in the world to know Jesus, my Lord, my best Friend, and my Savior.

Why? I can honestly say that before I was introduced to him, I was miserable, actually a miserable teenager. I had no self-confidence and usually hid from strangers. School was not fun. I was called all kinds of names and had few friends.

What did I do for fun? I don’t remember having a lot of fun in the usual sense. My mom, Frances, always had things going on, and I know she loved me, but being popular at school with friends to hang out with? Not so much. Today, some would describe my experience as being bullied.

No one ever physically hurt me, but I was hurt mentally. I received little of the encouraging motivation or words of affirmation children need.

My mom was divorced with two children, a very successful business owner who loved to party. Growing up, I can remember her frequent parties with a cigarette in one hand and an alcoholic beverage in the other. She also knew jokes and shared them often. Born in poverty with a shoebox for a baby bed, she became the epitome of a self-made woman.

What changed, you ask?

My mom changed. Oh, I had the same mother in my life; however, she turned into another person when she met the love of her life.

One day in South Florida where we lived at the time, the world as I knew it disappeared and an exciting, sudden whirlwind began. Anyone want to guess what happened?

My mother was introduced to Jesus, the most important love of her life from then on! I do realize most people don’t lose their desire for the fast life overnight; however, Frances Hunter did. The cigarettes went down the toilet along with all the liquor stashed in our house and in her office. No off-color words or jokes ever again passed her lips.

I had a new mother! I didn’t know how or why, but I certainly was curious. My brother was sure this “new” mom would soon revert back to her partying, but I was a daily witness to her devotion to the new love of her life.

A month later, I followed in her footsteps. Little did I know that I would follow in her footsteps for the rest of my life. I accepted Jesus into my heart because of my mother’s living witness. I watched her, I listened to her, and I wanted what she had found . . . an all-consuming relationship with her new best friend, Jesus Christ.

Our home became one of love, joy, and peace. My mother shared Jesus with everyone she saw, met, or talked with in person or on the phone. She started sharing her testimony in churches and began traveling. Soon, her books were getting published.

Anyone who met her could never forget her boisterous laugh, beautiful smile, and sparkling eyes as she discussed her favorite subject, Jesus. She wasn’t a great singer, but could she share a good story about what her Lord had done for her lately! She was transparent and gave glory where it was due. “Praise the Lord” became her favorite expletive.

During one of her speaking engagements, she was introduced to Charles Hunter, who had been appointed as her driver. Following numerous letters between Houston, Texas, and Miami, Florida, they were married.

Yes, she met Charles Hunter, married him, and gave me a wonderful dad. They were so in love through the rest of their lives, they are probably still holding hands as they journey through heaven.

Charles was a wonderful father, the best any girl could ever have. Even though my mother and Charles were so in love with each other, they both had a first love that was so much more important and fulfilling.

Charles had been a devoted Christian for many years. He was very active in his church, widowed, and a very successful businessman. He had no idea what God was going to introduce him to.

The whirlwind continued as they soon became known as “The Happy Hunters.” They traveled the world, spoke to countless thousands, people were saved, healed, and filled with the Holy Ghost. Mom frequently shared the story of her previous lifestyle after our lives changed so drastically.

Being a witness to all the wonderful, exciting adventures as our family followed and shared Jesus left a never-ending imprint on my heart and life. The passion that was planted in my mother’s heart so long ago spread into mine.

The number one passion of my life and ministry became and still is to see everyone saved and walking with Jesus living within their hearts. He can change your life just as he changed mine.

Instead of tears, you will find joy unspeakable. He can and will replace pain and suffering with health, love, and peace.

Don’t just take my word on this. Pray. Ask God to show you the path to his throne room. Pick up his Word and read for yourself. Do your own research. Allow his Word to ignite his flame within you.

If you have ears, listen! And be sure to put into practice what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand what I tell you.

Mark 4:23–24 TLB

There is a divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every holy believer to experience. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it! Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. It has become my inspiration and passion in ministry to labor with a tireless intensity, with his power flowing through me, to present to every believer the revelation of being his perfect one in Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:26–29 TPT

CHRIST in you, the Hope of Glory is a consistent theme throughout the apostle Paul’s writings. Paul tells us that we cannot live the Christian life without Jesus. Without him, we have insufficient power and resources in and of ourselves to live victoriously and demonstrate the attributes of the Christ-controlled life.

Jesus said to him, ‘This shows that today life has come to you and your household, for you are a true son of Abraham. The Son of Man has come to seek out and to give life to those who are lost’.

Luke 19:10 TPT

Many say they believe in Christ and agree that Jesus is the Son of God; however, that is not enough. Jesus instructed his followers:

Before a person can perceive God’s kingdom realm, they must first experience a rebirth.

John 3:3 TPT

All Christian experience begins with a personal relationship with Christ.

For through the eternal and living Word of God you have been born again. And this ‘seed’ that he planted within you can never be destroyed but will live and grow inside of you forever.

1 Peter 1:23 TPT

Oftentimes, those who think they know Scripture best are the most difficult to reach with the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Knowledge of Scripture is important; however, knowing what the Bible says is not enough. A person must be “born again” and allow him to live within their heart.

The new birth is given to us as an analogy with physical birth. The new birth is indeed a new life, but it comes from the Word of God. The Word enters a person’s heart where faith lays hold upon it. By this contact of faith and the Word, there comes forth a new life, a rebirth.

For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.

John 3:16 TPT

Is Jesus Christ your personal Savior? Are your sins forgiven?

So repent and be eager to pursue what is right. Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me.

Revelation 3:19–20 TPT

Repeat this prayer: God, I truly and sincerely repent for all the wrong things I have done. Forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, please come into my heart and live within me from this day onward. I give you my life. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

The Christian life is so much more than just getting saved.

Until next time . . . Blessed to be a blessing!

Joan Hunter