Every so often, God gifts a church member with a story that reminds us how faithfully He carries us from childhood to old age. This week, I’m grateful to share the testimony of Louis “Buddy” Gerber. His story invites us to remember that the Lord has been guiding us far longer—and far more gently—than we often realize.
From Buddy to Believer
Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. (Isaiah 46:3-4)
A Childhood of Questions and a Name That Stuck
My story begins in Marshallton, Delaware. When I was five years old, it was time to go to school. I knew my name was Louis, but everyone called me Buddy.
In first grade, we were all having fun when the teacher, Miss Hurlock, told us to take our seats. Everyone sat down in their assigned seat except me. There was one empty desk with a big sign that said “Louis Gerber.” As I stood at the front, Miss Hurlock told me to take my seat. She asked my name, and I told her it was Buddy Gerber.
She replied, “Sit in the empty seat with the name Louis Gerber.”
I said, “No, ma’am. My name is Buddy Gerber, and if you call me Louis, I’ll call you Susie.” And then I went home.
My mother wanted to know why I was home. I told her Miss Hurlock wanted to call me Louis, and my name was Buddy, and that I was going to call her Susie. It took Mom two hours to convince me my name was Louis.
Growing Up, Falling in Love, and Finding Our Way
As a young boy, people always asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had many ideas. One was to be a priest, since I was born Catholic. When I was 13, I asked the priest at CYO what would happen to all my buddies who were Protestants. His answer was that I should follow the church and God would take care of my buddies—which wasn’t an answer at all.
As I got older, we moved because of my dad’s job. I got involved in sports—football, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics. That was my life. No girls.
Then senior year came, and people asked if I was going to prom. At first the answer was no, but then I changed my mind. That meant I’d have to go with a girl. Ugh! But if I had to go, I’d pick the prettiest. She sat right in front of me in study hall. I asked, and she accepted. I just didn’t know she was in 9th grade. But that’s another story.
After three years of dating, I asked her to marry me, and she accepted. Now, 71 years later, we still share our lives together.
She is a great singer, so we went to her church. Then I was transferred by my firm, and we joined other churches. At last we came to West Chester. From there I was introduced to Christ.
The Moment the Light Came On
After a year or more, the pastor preached a series of sermons on serving the Lord. He said we had to give 100% of our lives to Him. Before that, they had only asked for 10%, but now they wanted it all.
I thought about that sermon the rest of Sunday, then Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Finally, on Friday, coming home from work, I thought I could give 99% and keep 1%. But immediately the light came on. What if I had 100 beautiful apples? Ninety-nine were perfect, and I was one. What would happen to the other 99? That’s right—they would go bad.
So I decided to give 100%, but God would have to show me how. The next week, Joan and I went forward to accept Christ as our Savior. I was baptized and then wondered what to do next.
Learning to Walk with Christ, One Day at a Time
Well, if I wanted to be a baseball player, I’d get a bat and a ball and some other guys and play. If I wanted to be a carpenter, I’d get a hammer and a saw and get a job. But I wanted to be a Christian. So I got a Bible, and I’ve read that Bible all the way through for 55 years.
It has been a blessing to know the Lord. I pray that my life will be one of honor to my God, for He has been with me every day. Praise God for what He does within me.
Takeaway for the Reader
Buddy’s story reminds us that coming to Christ is rarely a single moment—it’s a lifetime of God’s patient pursuit. Whether through childhood questions, unexpected turns, or the steady influence of faithful people, the Lord keeps drawing us toward Himself. The invitation is simple: offer Him your whole heart, and trust that He will show you how to walk with Him day by day.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the quiet ways You lead us. Teach us to give You our whole hearts and to walk faithfully in Your care. Amen.
Invitation to Share Your Story
If Buddy’s testimony has stirred something in you, we’d love to hear your story as well. Every journey with Christ—quiet or dramatic, recent or decades old—has the power to encourage someone else.
