My Fourth Day Story

My name is Cheryl Pumphrey, and I belong to the Birmingham Emmaus Community in Alabama. I had my Walk to Emmaus in February 2010. Back then, I sat at the table of Awesome Anna. 

At first I thought that I didn't need the Walk to Emmaus. I felt I already knew everything about the Bible and many other subjects. But my life was changed during the Dying Moments when it occurred to me that I was still holding grudges against people and refusing to forgive them for things they had done to me. As the condition of my heart dawned on me, I cried like a baby. I realized that God knows what we need, when we need it and, how we need it. 

As a result of that experience, I have been able to forgive the people that I have been holding resentment and grudges against in my heart, and I have allowed God to use me however God wishes. As I continue my journey in the Fourth Day, I have been reading the Daily Bread devotional and reflecting on the Word of God through it. At work, I listen to the Bible reading on my phone and continue to meditate on those words throughout the day. The time of morning study and reflection on God’s Word contributes to my growth in incredible ways.

As part of my Fourth Day I am also involved in prison ministry. I am the chaplain of my county’s prison. This keeps me busy and heavily involved in various aspects of my community. On a daily basis, I seek to remain open as I ask God to use me. I'm also the associate minister in my church. As such, among other things, I get opportunities to preach and share God’s love with my congregation. I am so thankful to God for all of these experiences and opportunities.

I have never published a book, and I have never written anything other than sermons. This past week, I wrote and preached a sermon titled “But God,” based on Ephesians 2:1-3. This was my way of reminding myself and my listeners that, by the grace of God, no matter where we are in life, there is hope.

My hope for the future is to go on a mission trip to Kenya and to continue to do God's will, no matter what it may be. I just want to go serve and preach until I can no longer do so.