Carl Patillo

Since I graduated in 1988, I attended college (part time) at UALR. I transferred to Ambassador University in 1993. I attended there full time and completed a psychology degree in 1996. I moved to Dallas in 1996 and worked full time in various jobs. In 1998, I felt called to move to Vancouver and completed a Master in Divinity degree. I moved back to Little Rock in 2002. My older brother Norman was sick and passed away that year. I moved to Sherwood and became a full time teacher at Abundant Life School in 2003. I taught various subjects from 7th to 12th grades. I moved back to Little Rock in 2007 and began working at UAMS in audiovisual technology (IT). Last November of 2011, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She passed away in July of 2012. Afterwards, I moved back to Dallas in September of 2012 once again to seek a calling of the Lord.

One great story I tell everyone was when I became a Christian in the 11th grade at McClellan. I believe that I was suffering from a mild form of a social anxiety disorder because I was so abnormally introverted. I would not even turn my head to talk to others in class. One day, I attended Life Line Baptist Church on Chicot and Baseline Road. The pastor at that time gave an altar call. I sensed God prompting me to overlook my shyness and to respond to the altar call.
As nervous as I was, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in front of everyone. After that I felt unusual for the rest of that Sunday (a confidence and a peace). Then, when I woke up on Monday morning to get ready for school, I had a euphoric kind of joy in which I felt forgiven of my sins and greatly loved by God. I was no longer that terribly shy teenager any more. I went to school joyful and talkative, changed from a dejected outlook to an elated expression. I even remember out-talking other classmates who were known for their talkative nature (often to the dismay of the teachers). God's Holy Spirit, His instrument for change in people, was very alive in me.
I have other great stories from McClellan that deal more closely with friends. But, it all began with God working with me.