My salvation story beautifully illustrates God’s faithfulness throughout my life. It all began with my parents, who met while studying in Dallas, Texas—my mother at the Dallas Bible Institute and my father at Dallas Theological Seminary. I made my debut at my father’s graduation from DTS in 1951, just four days old. As the second of six children born to Ray and Edna Jones, I was incredibly blessed to grow up in a household anchored in faith.
From my earliest memories, my parents read the Bible to me, instilling a deep love for Scripture. We were an active family in our church community, attending every service and event. One pivotal Sunday, when I was seven, my dad’s best friend preached at a storefront church on 3rd Street in Tulsa one Sunday evening. That day, as he personalized John 3:16 for me— “For God so loved Travis, that if Travis will trust Him, then Travis will not perish, but Travis will have everlasting life”—I felt an overwhelming sense of clarity and conviction. I invited Christ into my heart, grateful for the influence of my faithful parents and their Christian friends. That night as we were driving home, I told my parents, and they were pleased to hear that I had made the decision to trust Christ as my personal Savior.
As I grew, my spiritual foundation deepened. I attended John Brown University, where I met Marlene. I knew right away she was the answer to the prayers my parents and I had prayed for since my childhood—a true Proverbs 31 wife and the perfect mother for our future children. We married in 1972 and, after completing our studies, moved back to Tulsa in April 1974. It was then that we found our home at Tulsa Bible Church, where God continued to lead us in our spiritual journey.
At Tulsa Bible Church, we found community and opportunities to serve. In the summer of 1974, we began working with the youth group, and our involvement has only grown since then. Serving in various capacities has enriched our lives and strengthened our faith, allowing us to witness God’s work in the lives of others.
Marlene and I are blessed with three wonderful children—April, Kelly, and Kyle—who also love the Lord. They, along with their families—Tom Graney, Joey Shoop, and Vanessa Jones—are deeply rooted in the ministry of the churches where they attend. It brings us immense joy to see our family thriving in faith and serving alongside faithful believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. All twelve of our grandchildren are following Christ as their Savior.
Our journey has been one of blessings and humble service at Tulsa Bible Church. As I reflect on my life, I recognize the importance of sharing my testimony and the questions it raises: Have you come to the place in your spiritual life where you know for sure you are going to Heaven when you die? And if you were to stand before the Lord and He asked why He should let you into His Heaven, what would you say? If you are uncertain about your eternal destiny, I would be honored to share how you can have that assurance.
My life verse, Psalm 71:17-18, captures my heart: “Since my youth, O God, You have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.” This verse serves as a reminder of my commitment to proclaim God’s greatness and faithfulness, not only in my life but also to the next generation. As I continue this journey, I hold tight to the truth that God’s faithfulness will guide me every step of the way.