J. T. Clark - In the Blink of an Eye: Forgiveness in Black and White

BLINK

FORGIVENESS
in Black and White

In the

of an

Eye

Trilogy Christian Publishing

Trilogy Christian Publishers
A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive
Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright 2018 by JT and Terri Lee Clark

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Cambridge Edition: 1769.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

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Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN#: 978-1-64088-145-7

ISBN#: 978-1-64088-146-4 (E-book)

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory and legacy of my brother and his wife, Bobby and Pam Clark. May our Father in heaven be glorified by the telling of this story. May it have an eternal impact on the many people who read it.

Original artwork by: Jordan Nallen

Foreword

Forgiveness is at the heart of the Father. When I look at the life and story of J.T. Clark, I see the love of the Father. Being a pastor for over 20 years has given me the opportunity to listen to many testimonies of how people came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Several years ago, I was asked to speak at a police conference in Virginia. It was then that I met J.T. for the first time. When I heard his testimony during this conference, it truly resonated with me as a story that was genuine and authentic! I could tell he was not a seasoned minister. As he shared his story, what I heard was life-changing!

Walking through hardships and difficulties in life could either ruin a person or bring them to a place of healing and wholeness. I believe in every persons life there is a time when they are confronted with the reality of God. How they choose to respond is up to them.

I know what you are about to read in this book has the power to change and heal the hearts of those who read it. J.T. and Terri Lee Clark are genuine and authentic followers of Jesus Christ. The story has so much strength and resolve in it. Walking in obedience is always a choice. The Bible teaches us that the steps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord. This means being in right standing with God. This comes when we surrender our lives to His Son, Jesus Christ. My prayer for all who hear the story of J.T. Clarks road of forgiveness is that it will play a huge part in leading people towards the Savior, Jesus Christ.

It is a privilege and honor to be able to prepare you for what you are about to encounter in the calling and path that God has placed on J.T. Clark. May the Lord richly bless you and strengthen you, as you embrace this story of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing.

Andrew Columbia
Pastor, Chaplain, Author, and Trainer

Preface

I dont believe in coincidences. I never really did. Truthfully, I just never considered them much. Beginning in August 2015, a series of events would unfold that put things in a much different perspective for me. The confluence of circumstances in my life that would come together on the night of August 21, 2015, and then continue to unfold in the years ahead, could not be explained in the natural realm, especially if there is no such thing as coincidence.

The story that you are about to read is almost too much to be believed, especially if you dont believe in God. On the surface, one might think the details are just too incredible and could only be made up by a Hollywood screenwriter. But these things did happen and continue to happen.

I encourage you to read the pages ahead and open your spirit up to a world of possibilities. Where people of different races, backgrounds, and interests unite around a tragic accident. Where the key ingredient ends up being love. Hearts and minds are transformed through an outpouring of grace and mercy. The lives of the people taken from this earth continue to impact those who had been touched by their spirits while they walked amongst us.

See how God used a most horrific, tragic accident to move within churches, families an entire community to lift spirits and transform lives. Witness how He moved specifically in my life, telling me on October 7th, 2017, Dont you understand? You are now experiencing testimonies of your testimony. Essentially, He was saying the entirety of this situation would become bigger than anything I could fathom.

It is hoped that through the pages ahead you will be touched and inspired to pursue life from an in the world perspective versus an of the world perspective. That you will seek to understand all that God intends for each person who desires a relationship. And, as appropriate, individuals will pursue changes that have
eternal implications.

Acknowledgements

There are so many people to thank and acknowledge in the writing of this book. Certainly, love and appreciation go to my wife and three daughters. Terri Lee, Jordan, Caitlin, and Whitney spoke words of life and love to me throughout. On October 23, 2016, as Terri Lee and I were driving north on I-95 just south of Jacksonville, Florida, I looked at her and said, If God has to send one more person to tell me to write a book, I dont know what I will do.

I also need to thank my family. My mom, Nancy Clark, my brothers, Norman and Sam Clark, my sister Susan Brown, my brothers children, Robin Quesinberry and Torrey Clark. Each of these people offered their support and encouragement as this process was completed.

To my House of Purpose (H.O.P.) family, you just dont know the impact you have had on my life. You live the expression of Love GodLove People! You have taught it to me. To my pastor, C.J. Martin and first lady, Fernanda Martin, to the elders and deacons, to the praise and worship team, to each person that calls H.O.P. home, thank you. Terri Lee and I love you.

To my brothers and sisters of T.R.A.S.H. Ministry, what can I say? I love each of you. You interceded on behalf of our family even before we knew there had been an accident. To my pastor, Mike Price, and first lady, Stephanie Reynolds-Price, thank you for your love, guidance and friendship. Mike, when I told you that I was not an author, you said, I know of a few others who werent authors either: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul. You get the point?

To Dan and Sabrina Whitlock, thank you for continuing a friendship that began through Bobby and Pam. You were with them at the end of their race on this earth. I cannot imagine how painful and beautiful that must have been. You have opened your church to Terri Lee and me. You have encouraged us throughout this journey into ministry. Terri Lee and I love you both, dearly.

And to Andrew and Angela Columbia, who would have known that a last-minute, God-encounter would have led to an ongoing relationship of ministry, growth, development, and friendship? Terri Lee and I are grateful for the encouragement we have received.