“…that they lay hold on that which is really life”—1 Tim 6:19

I was born and raised in a family who believe in the Lord. Although I recognized that there was God, by the age of thirteen I still had no real experience of Him other than to fear him as an objective and all-powerful being somewhere “up there”. At that age many things came in to my environment to distract me completely from anything related to God.

I left school early and started in a good career earning a high income. I was married young and started to raise a family. As the years went on my career became both more demanding and more rewarding. My only goal was to work for a good living for my family whom I loved. I was completely held in the grasp of the world.

During these years I saw, one by one, eleven of my twelve brothers and sisters being saved and regenerated with the life of God. I could see that they were growing as members of the Body of Christ in the fellowship and care of the Lord in the local churches. Their lives were changing and mine was not. It was clear to me that through their enjoyment of the Lord they were gaining, and exhibiting by their living, something of true and eternal worth. Their lives were being lived to the Lord and they had a rock solid goal and direction. Contrary to this my life was becoming more and more difficult and I was losing my sense of direction and stability.

I had proudly thought that I knew everything and that I had total control of my direction and future. I was completely wrong. Over a period of 6 – 7 months everything in my life turned upside down. I lost my job and my career and then I lost my own family. I did not want to live any more.

But, praise the Lord! With Him there is always a great BUT! Some dear believers had been praying for my salvation. When everything seemed as low as it could possibly get some of those who had been praying for me came with God’s word to share with me the true meaning of life. At that time I was humbled and I began to call upon the name of the Lord. At that time I received forgiveness of my sins, and the life-giving Spirit came into my spirit to regenerate me with the life of God – the real life in this universe.

As I recall the Lord’s lovingkindness to me and write this testimony I am weeping with gratitude to Him for all that He has done.

From that time for the last seven years I have been enjoying the Lord and gaining more of Him day by day in the local churches with all the dear brothers and sisters. Through His great love and mercy I have come home to the church where I want to serve Him for the satisfaction of His heart’s desire until He returns.  J H

@Copyright 2010 The Church in Papakura. All rights reserved