Marc Woerlen—A Living Example of Faith!
On November 8, 2004, Marc Woerlen lost his wife and his seven children in a tragic house fire near Pelham, Ontario.
Woerlen was in Ottawa at the time of the blaze, preparing to move his family from Pelham to Ottawa. Although this tragedy was of enormous proportion and devastated family and friends alike, Woerlen's unfaltering faith in God throughout this ordeal has encouraged and strengthened many hearts and souls. He now lives in Ottawa with his wife Hilde and little son Isaac. Last year, a short video was made to help people understand why Marc continues to have an unshakeable confidence in God and believe in God’s goodness.
Click here to see the video about Marc Woerlen:
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Although the video includes an interview of Marc Woerlen, we also took some time to ask him a few questions ourselves, in order to better understand where the source of his faith comes from and why he has been able to remain so strong in an ordeal that would have crushed many.
How old were you when you gave your heart to God and what motivated you to do this?
I remember when I gave my heart to follow Jesus. It happened during a church service that was held for the youth during a summer church conference in Brighton, Ontario. I was a teenager, and I was in need. This resulted in me going forward for prayer towards the end of the service. I also remember that parents, friends, and newly converted young people would celebrate the decisions that were made at the evening snack bar, which opened after the service was over.
[Note: The summer church conferences for northeast America were held at a rented facility in Brighton, Ontario before the purchase of the current conference center in Victory, New York]
Did you have any examples in your life that influenced you to make this decision?
The youth leaders during my time in the youth had a big impact on my life. Also, as children, we were instructed about the laws of God from childhood.
What motivated you to continue in your faith to God in your early years, instead of losing interest or gaining other interests?
The word we hear in the Church is sharp and powerful. To love God and fear (deeply respect) Him was something implanted into my heart both at home and in all the church services and conferences. I too had battles not to lose heart and be drawn by other interests, especially in the early 90s during the revival times and my need to find a spouse. One example that really stuck in my memory was when I personally witnessed Sigurd Bratlie giving an exhortation to another brother. He spoke to him with tears of love coming down his face. This made a huge impression on me in my youth, and I wanted to come to a life like that.
[Note: Sigurd Bratlie was leader of Brunstad Christian Church from 1976 until his death in 1995]
Why did you choose to trust God rather than turn away from Him after the accident?
After the fire it became very real to me that God had His "mighty hand" in all things. I needed to bow before Him. Turning away from God was never a question. He gave me tremendous comfort through many signs and wonders including answers to prayer from the many faithful saints. Some of these wonders are listed below:
* A group of the childrens’ friends asked to start having a Bible study group at the school. What could parents and teachers say to this??
* Children (many who were strangers to me before) would come and hold my hand and sit on my lap at moments when only the Spirit could have moved them to do so.
* My body was freed from asthma—an answer to godly men in the church praying for me in my youth time at a church conference (They told me I would be healed in the Lord's time).
* What I experienced on the day of the funeral. People stood on the road side for miles and threw flowers, and the police stood at attention and saluted in respect as the caskets were driven by.
* I received letters from prisoners stating they had turned and given their hearts to the Lord.
I felt like there was nothing for me to do other than to simply bow before God.
Do you feel that this experience has made you stronger?
This experience has made me realize that without God, I am nothing. A person can feel great or successful at various times, but God can allow these feelings to vaporize. On the other hand, He doesn't crush the bruised reed or the feeble knee. (Is. 42:3; Heb. 12:12).
Do you have any words of advice for youth today who are struggling to find the path that is right for them?
Pray to God in your secret place. He wants to lead us all "beside still waters" and His rod (for chastening) and staff (for guiding) shall comfort us. (Ps. 23).
A good test to know which path to follow is if it leads us to peace and joy. Unrest is from the devil. God is our true Shepherd, and He cares for His sheep.
Marc Woerlen with his wife Hilde and son Isaac
(01/04/2008 09:58:53:System)