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Most of the testimonies
are shared during the online church services over the years. This
is why this page never seems to grow. However, if you have a testimony
to share, let me know and I will add it to this page asap.
REVIVAL
IN INDIA (LEPROSY MIRACLE).
God is on the
move in India today and reports of revival are now reaching
the West. Whole
villages are being converted to Christ often amid fierce persecution. At
a recent pastors' congress it was estimated that in one region over
17,000 people are turning to Jesus every day and that a church is established
every three minutes. A mixture of poverty, injustice and
religious dissatisfaction
has opened India to the gospel. For many thousands of
people, the Christian
message of forgiveness, justice and love is truly good
news! As evangelists and
churchesmove among the people with increased faith and
love, God is sending
amazing signs, according to these reports. In one area of Bihar, a
village lived in fear of its four witch-doctors, who
controlled people by
cursing their cattle and their relatives. When the
Christian evangelists
arrived, these witch-doctors warned them that they would be cursed,
too. The Christians continued to love the people in Jesus'
name, and in a few
weeks the witch-doctors came to ask the secret of their power.
They had called up
demonic powers to attack the Christians, but the demons had returned
saying, "We can do nothing against them, as they are
surrounded by angels and by
fire." As they spoke with the evangelists, the
conviction of God fell on all
four and they were converted and delivered from evil! The whole village
followed, amazed at God's power. One man was so consumed by leprosy that he
decided to end his life. As he walked to the railway line to
throw himself
in front of a train, a man in a white robe came and walked with him. After
talking for a while, the man in white vanished and the leprosy
was totally gone!
That healed man is now winning whole villages for Christ.
<Azusa@aol.com>
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I TOOK HIM TO A
BETTER DOCTOR
April 30, 1987 my
wife an I were blessed with another child to add to our many
blessings. His name is Joshua. He was born with two holes in his
heart, aneamic, and very weak. He was a "blue baby" as
well due to the cord being wrapped around his tiny neck. It took
the doctors what seemed forever to get him to breath. When the
doctors told us that he was in bad shape we didn't know quite
what to say, or even think for that matter. They kept our baby
ten days in the cold and scarry hospital. It was just a little
over a year back that I had a life changing experience with the
Lord. I was a Christian a just little while now. My wife
and I were thoroughly confused as to what was happening with our
little baby boy. He was so small and frail compared to all the
other children we had. After we took our baby home we were
informed we would have to bring the child to another hospital
across the state in six months or so. They wanted him to gain
some weight before attempting to cut open his little chest to
repair his very small heart. They told us it's possible one of
the holes would close up soon, but the other was way to big to
close on it's own. They had x-rays, ekg's, and a bunch of other
charts and graphs that made no sense to me or my wife. All I knew
was we needed a miracle. The "heart problem" we found
to be in my wife's family for years. She had a cousin who was
born wih the same heart problems as our little Joshua. But the
technology wasn't there as such until the boy was eight years
old. When he was eight, some doctors in Canada perfected a
technique that would close the holes in his heart and save his
life. But on the way to the airport the young boy suffered a
massive heart attack and died. I was worried to say the least. I
knew I wasn't supposed to worry, but I was a babe in Christ at
the time and I wasn't sure of much. All I knew was I didn't want
them to cut open my beautiful little boy's chest. I didn't want
to leave his life in their hands. I prayed. I asked the Lord what
we should do. It was revealed to me that we should anoint the
child, lay hands on him and pray. A month or so later we took our
beautiful baby boy to the hospital across state. All the while we
KNEW he would be ok. I knew the Lord Jesus had a plan for this
boy. I knew he wouldn't die, and I knew they wouldn't be cutting
him open, scarring him for life. I was trusting Jesus 100% on
this simple fact. After the doctors examined the boy for a few
minutes they came to my wife and I and asked us why we brought a
different baby. I was shocked! He said, "This isn't the same
boy we saw 8 months ago." I assured them he was the same
child. They said, "It can't be, this boy has gained too much
weight to have a heart problem such as this. Plus they said THERE
WERE NO HOLES IN THIS BOYS HEART!" I was speechless, I
really didn't know what else to say. All I said was "We took
him to a better Doctor." When he asked for the Doctor's
name," I told him. "His name is Jesus Christ"
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BRAIN TUMOR IS
GONE
On June 30, 1992, I
collapsed in a grocery store from a grand mal seizure. I was
rushed to the emergency room, where I was told that I either had
a stroke or a brain tumor. A CAT scan ruled out a stroke. The
next day an MRI revealed a brain tumor the size of a small egg. A
needle biopsy revealed that it was either a grade 3 or 4
anaplastic astrocytoma. Because my speech and motor control on
the right side were involved, it was considered inoperable. They
started me on oral chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
After 33 radiation
treatments and two courses of oral chemotherapy, I started on
intravenous chemo. After the first course my blood counts were
not coming back up fast enough so the second course was delayed.
During an eight week wait I was given platelets and packed red
cell transfusions. All through the treatments I had a real peace
calm. Physically I showed no sign of regressing as I should have
if the tumor was growing. I still had a focal seizure about two
weeks or so but that was all that I suffered. I took my last
course of intravenous chemo and in January 1993, my last oral
chemo.
An MRI in May 1993
showed a larger, brighter area than on any of the previous ones.
That meant either the tumor was growing or that area of my brain
was dying. A SPEC scan showed that is was inactive brain tissue.
The July 1993, MRI showed that the tumor had shrunk 50 percent
and the bright area had almost disappeared. By October 1993, the
MRI showed hardly any tumor and none of the bright area was left.
In April 1994, the report from the radiologist was that the tumor
had disappeared. It will be three years in April 1997, since the
MRI showed the tumor was gone.
After I was first
diagnosed I was watching an evangelist on TV and in the prayer
segment of the show he had a word of knowledge that a brain tumor
was being healed. I instantly felt a warmth flow through my body
and I broke down in tears because I know it was for me. My
sister, who was watching the same show at our parents house, in
another state, felt the same thing and jumped and said that was
for me. Many faithful believers around the world were praying for
me. I praise the Lord God and Jesus for healing me and providing
the doctors and the wisdom he gave them about my treatments.
I have been told
many times since this time that the chances were very slim of my
recovering and living this long. I give all the glory
to God and His Son Jesus.
CU Chris
Lutz ?:>}
"tvman@gte.net"
"mgman@switchboardmail.com"
"http://home1.gte.net/tvman"
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A HINDU FAMILY
SEE'S THE HAND OF GOD.
Jagruti’s
Testimony
Hi everyone.
My name is Jagruti. I was born and grew up in India into the
Hindu religion. That religion was my birthright. I did not know
any
other religion. I had no choice in what religion to be in.
When I was 18 I came to NZ to have an arranged marriage with
Bip. One year later we bought our house and we decided to
have kids. But we had a few problems. I had a miscarriage and was
not able to get pregnant for a long time.
I prayed a lot to my Gods to give me kids and I was told that if
I gave up something I needed everyday , I might have kids, so I
gave up eating rice…and I am a vegetarian. Also my mum sent
me an iron anklet that I had to wear on my right ankle. This I
did for about 3 years.
We spent a lot of money with a specialist but no luck. So me and
Bip went to India to visit the family and they took us to temples
to pray for kids. Also we went to a doctor who taught us
acupressure exercises.
Anyway I became pregnant…but I do not know if it was
acupressure or the God’s…..this was after trying for 8
years.
Puja was born in November 1992. Puja in our language means
prayer…..we believe that she is an answer to prayer. My
prayers for a child…..
About 18 months later we had a little boy….we were very
happy. We now had a boy and girl.
Puja was doing very well and talking a lot. She laughed and
played with our dog. But we had to put our dog down. We had Him
for 14 years. Puja was about 18 months old then.
It was after this time that we noticed that Puja had stopped
talking and was crying all the time for no reason….
We thought that maybe she missed the dog and that Bhavik was
born.
She cried a lot for no reason and we put her in Daycare when she
was 2 . Then this kindy to help her to talk…we even put her
in hospital for tests ..but everything was ok….
To add to our worries Bhavik our son had problems walking and the
specialist said he had cerebral palsy of the legs….he will
not be able to run properly and will need help walking later
on…He was 15 months old then.
We were very upset. One side I had Puja and other side I had
Bhavik. Where was my Gods…? but I helped
Bhavik…….I spent 3 hours a day massaging his legs and
taking him to therapy 3 days a week….he’s doing really
good now…
But Puja was making us worry…she cried all the time..she did
not talk..and looked scared all the time. A Hindu lady told us
that Puja was cursed and to fix the curse we had to go to
India….So we sold our business and went for 6 months….
In India we took Puja to the temples …some high on
mountains..some by the sea .. whatever someone told us to do to
help Puja we did it….she even had acupuncture there too . we
did everything to help Puja…..
But the Gods did not hear us…Puja got worse…..
We came back to NZ and one day Pastor Keith heard Puja crying at
Kindy…he asked Bip if he could pray for Puja…. At first
we said no because we were told that Puja would talk 3 months
after coming back to NZ…so Pastor Keith asked again 3 months
later…Puja was still no better…so we said
yes…….
At that first prayer session Puja changed..she had never looked
us in the eyes for 4 years and she did after that….
Also about this time some Indian Christians asked if they could
pray for Puja too….so we said yes….
That amazed us because no one asked to pray for Puja before and
here were complete strangers asking to pray for her…
Pastor Keith and Pastor Andrew came to our house to pray and saw
all my Hindu stuff. They told me that if we wanted to see Jesus
at work we must remove all this stuff …
I was not very happy because this is what had I believed in, but
I did it for our little Puja…
After they prayed in the house we noticed she settled down a lot
more…but at times she still screamed especially at
night….we tried praying but she never settled, but when the
Pastors prayed in the name of Jesus Puja always settled..it was
amazing..we asked Pastor Keith why….he said we must pray in
faith. We had to learn what this meant. This learning took over 9
months. We were amazed at Keith’s patience with us.
One day Puja said 3 words at kindy….She said “God Made
Me”
We have no idea why she said those 3 words and not lolly or
something else……That evening after asking Pastor Keith
a lot of questions about what was happening to us we gave our
lives to the Lord…it was awesome…..
That was on 11/11/97 and we were baptised on the 2/2/98
We have come a long way from where we were 10 months ago and have
a long road ahead….we are the first in our family to become
Christian and it is very hard for me…
I had a faith I had believed in all my life….and to change
was a big thing for me to do….it was like asking you to turn
away from Jesus and become a Hindu….that was what it was
like for me.
But I thank God that He did save me and my family….
I thank God He brought Denise and Pastor Keith and Pastor Andrew
and this church into my life.
Actually it was Denise who let Puja into the kindy here even
though the kindy was full.
I thank God He brought Puja’s teacher aide Trish and her
boss Jan into my life..she has been with Puja for more than 2
years .
I would like to thank everyone who has prayed for Puja and my
family…
I know the Lord has answered those prayers.
One thing that amazes us is, because of Puja, we have come to
know Jesus….so in a way all the hardship has been
worthwhile….
Praise God Puja is doing very well. We still have our problems
but we have faith in Jesus now and He will help us all the way.
Thank you .
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SEVERE EPILEPSY AND
A BRAIN TUMOR VANISH!
This story was given to me by
Simon. This miracle story is about his brother
and the prayers of a mother. How awesome is the works of our
Lord.
Prayers and Blessings,
Cindy
Don't ask me how or where they got my name from - I neither know
nor care.
I must, however add to their story and return it too, (in
reference to the
Jeremy's Egg Story that I emailed out a week or so ago) that it
may in some way
return the blessing that it has given me.
My younger brother was born a Spastic Epileptic when I was eight
years old.
His epilepsy was of the worst kind imaginable - potentially
terminal. He
was indeed declared medically dead on many occasions during his
first two
years of "life." The last time, the doctors gave
him a massive dose of
medication which, they said, would have knocked out many an
adult. This is
what saved him in the eyes of the doctors. Had they done
nothing he would
most certainly have died from this major Epileptic attack and
this time he
would have stayed dead! As it was, it left him severely
brain damaged,
unable to sit up and barely able to suck food from a spoon.
At two years
old, he was returned to the mental abilities of a new-born
baby. Who was,
at first, the only one to notice this problem? Our Mother,
God bless her.
The nurses said don't exaggerate, the doctors said don't be
silly, even our
own father was not convinced. But - Mother stuck to her
guns. "My child
needs help", she said many, many times. At long last,
after several
exhaustive tests, Mother's diagnosis was confirmed.
"Oh well, Mrs
Smalley - take him home and do what you can for him. When
it gets too much for you
we can put him somewhere 'nice'". Needless to say, Mum
was incensed, but
holding her tongue, determined to prove them all wrong.
Mother put my brothers needs first and for-most - ahead of
everyone else's,
ahead of her husband's, ahead of mine, ahead of her own. At
ten years old
I suppose I should have been a little offended at this interloper
getting all
the limelight that had been mine for those first eight
years. But, no. I
loved my brother and wanted to see him well as much as Mum
did. Not once
do I remember feeling jealous or envious of him and for that I
have only One
to thank!
At five years old Mum managed to get him accepted into the local
primary
school. "Just for a term or two, you understand"
said the headmaster. At
the end of the very first term Mother was summoned to appear
before the
great man. "I'm sorry, Mrs Smalley, but we must insist
you take your son
away from this school." Mother could not understand
and asked, "Has he
been causing trouble?" "Oh no," came the
answer, "it's just that he is not
learning anything and we feel it is a waste of his time to keep
him here!"
Mother asked if he was disturbing the other children. Was he
annoying his
teachers? Was he noisy? No, it was simply that he was
'failing' to learn.
Not good enough claimed Mother, sticking to her guns. "If he
is not a
nuisance or disturbing others, I fail to see why you should stop
him mixing
with the other children." Mother won that round hands
down. Two terms
later we went to see an old friend of hers at his London
practice. He was
a Harley Street children's consultant - one of the best in
his field. "Take
him off the drugs", was the prescription "or he will be
dead within a
year." "Mind you, he could have another massive attack
and die anyway". "The
choice is yours, but he will surely die on the medication
anyway. Hobson's
choice? No, decided Mother - God's will!
Less than a term after that, Mother was again summoned into the
presence of
the headmaster. What was the problem this time?
"NO problem," said the
big man. "I just thought you should know that Nicholas
learned to spell his
first word this week!".
No life history to follow. Suffice it to say that my
brother is now clear
of epilepsy and the only sign of his previous spasticity is a
little
clumsiness and a slight tendency to stutter when under
pressure. Well
don't we all do that? I do for certain. He is
married, works for his living and
drives a car as well as the next person. Oh - just by the
way - a brain
tumour was the cause of his epilepsy (Mr Nash, that dear
consultant, found
that out on examination) and it just vanished - poof - literally
overnight.
Let no-one say, in my presence, that God does not answer prayer -
HE DOES!
It's just that we don't always see the way he answers it.
The blessing
that Mother and I received, was in watching the working out of
that miracle,
before our very eyes.
Mum passed on a couple of years ago, happy and contented, her
work
completed, her two boys well and truly loved (and what's more, we
always
knew it) and sure in the knowledge of where she was
heading. Guess what?
My little brother is picking me up in his car on Sunday evening
and you can
guess where we shall be heading!
Thank God for my Mother, and thank God for my Brother. But most
importantly - Thank God for Jesus!
Without his sacrifice - we would all be dead for ever.
Simon (aka The Saint)
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A
BROTHERS SONG
Like any good mother, when
Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what
she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for
a new sibling. They found out that the new baby is going to be a
girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sings to his
sister in Mommy's tummy.
The pregnancy progresses normally for Karen, an active member of
the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown,
Tennessee. Then the labor pains come. Every five minutes ...
every minute. But complications arise during delivery. Hours of
labor. Would a C-section be required?
Finally, Michael's little sister is born. But she is in serious
condition. With sirens howling in the night, the ambulance
rushes the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St.
Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee.
The days inch by. The little girl gets worse. The pediatric
specialist tells the parents, "There is very little hope. Be
prepared for the worst."
Karen and her husband contact a local cemetery about a burial
plot. They have fixed up a special room in their home for the new
baby - now they plan a funeral. Michael, keeps
begging his parents to let him see his sister, "I want to
sing to her," he says.
Week two in intensive care. It looks as if a funeral will come
before the week is over. Michael keeps nagging about singing to
his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care. But
Karen makes up her mind. She will take Michael whether they
like it or not. If he doesn't see his sister now, he may never
see her alive. She dresses him in an oversized scrub suit
and marches him into ICU. He looks like a walking laundry basket,
but the head nurse recognizes him as a child and bellows,
"Get that kid out of here
now! No children are allowed.
The mother rises up strong in Karen, and the usually
mild-mannered lady glares steel-eyed into the head nurse's face,
her lips a firm line. "He is not leaving until he sings to
his sister!" Karen tows Michael to his sister's
bedside. He gazes at the tiny infant losing the battle to live.
And he begins to sing. In the pure hearted voice of a 3-year-old,
Michael sings: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
you make me happy when skies are gray --- "
Instantly the baby girl responds. The pulse rate becomes calm and
steady. Keep on singing, Michael. "You never
know, dear, how much I love you, Please don't take my sunshine
away---"
The ragged, strained breathing becomes as smooth as a kitten's
purr. Keep on singing, Michael.
"The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held
you in my arms..." Michael's little sister
relaxes as rest, healing rest, seems to sweep over
her. Keep on singing, Michael.
Tears conquer the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen
glows. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
Please don't, take my sunshine away."
Funeral plans are scrapped. The next, day-the very next day-the
little girl is well enough to go home! Woman's Day magazine
called it "the miracle of a brother's song." The
medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a
miracle of God's love!
NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE
Send this to all the people that have touched your life.
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SHE'S
HEALED! MY DAUGHTERS HEALED!!
I just had to tell everyone of another miraculous moving of the Hand of the Almighty God of ALL creation!!!! A few days ago (April-99) I became a Grandfather for the first time. My oldest daughter Jillian was blessed with a cute little baby girl by the name of Aliyah. It was a rough labor for her, and after 14 hours of intense pain they decided to give her an epidural. Well to sum it up quick they messed up the procedure and Jillian was left with a hole in her spine and intense pain from her shoulder blades all the way to the back of her head becoming migranes. The pain was so intense and "fresh" each time she moved her head in the slightest manner that she would vomit immediately! The doctors told me
they wanted to "try" and stick her again and place a blood clot on the hole to stop the pain, but the Holy Spirit said NO WAY! The doctors said that Jillian will have to suffer at least 6 days flat on her back, drink tons of caffiene, and HOPE the hole closed up. The Holy Spirit still said "NO" to their desires to stick her again. Then a day or two later after examining her again they said Jillian will now be in intense pain with migranes for at least 3 weeks, maybe more! And if the pain still persists after the 3 weeks she will have to consider alternate methods to close the hole. Still, the Holy Spirit wasn't budging on this. Then the doctor said 5 WEEKS is the probable amount of intense pain. Again the Holy Spirit told me
to tell him NO! A few days later they allowd Jillian to come home. A couple days after that Jillian called me to ask that we lay hands on her. So I brought my wife (and a few kiddies) over to her home, laid hands on her, annointed her with oil, prayed the prayer of faith over her. (We have a home church) Jillian then drifted off to sleep after we left. The very next morning she woke up, got out of bed, and suddenly realized, SHE WAS HEALED!!!! She is up an out of bed, walking around! No pain! No headaches! No throwing up! No nausea! No pills! No kidding!!!!
Praise the Lord on High!!!!!! He is an awesome and loving Father
to His child!!
Psalms 34:3, "O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt
his name together."
T H A N K Y O U J E S U S !!!!!!
Truth is truth!
Nicholas
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Happy Sabbath
,
Greetings from
Iligan City. I got teary eyes tonight reading the testimonies of Brother Nic
about your son Joshua. We are of same age, im just 7 days older than him since
I was born April 23, 1987.
By the way, let me
introduce myself. I am Novi, sister of Ardelene (CountryLiving in POGM).
Im going to
share my experience on how Jesus Christ helped me and saved me.
When I was first
year high school (13 years old) I joined the school's journalist writers club.
There I was trained to write news and do copyreading. At the middle of the year
we were sent for a contest; the first level (Division LEvel) with 40
contestants. Unfortunately, I did not make it in the top 10. I was not
discouraged. I prayed to God. His will be done.
The year after
that, my family was driven out from Seventh Day Adventist GC because of the
questions my parents asked to the pastors. By then we started to have home
church. 3/4 of our brethren from the GC church joined our first worship up to
the present.
When I was in 2nd
year high school, I started my training again but that time I was assigned to do
the Sportswriting. I undergone trainings. But I made sure I dont have trainings
on Sabbath Day and the couch gave special exemptions for me. I prayed to God
fervently that He will let me win in the Division level so that I can join the
next level which is the Regional level. But God did not permit it. I was not
discouraged. I just prayed and thank HIm. Same thing happened the next year (3rd
year high school).
During my last
year in high school (4th year) I joined again the writing contest. As
usual...training..reading..writing..and all. I prayed that God will let me make
it. In the division level I ranked 2nd (the first 7th will qualify for the
regional level). So I joined the regional level with 88 contestants I prayed to
God that He will let me win so that I can join the biggest event which is the
National Level (whole philippines). I ranked 6th (first 7th will qualify the
next level).
February 2004 we
sailed to Manila via Cagayan de Oro city because the Regional Office of the Dept
of Education is in Cagayan de Oro and they will sponsor us with all the expenses
for the fare back and forth. I prayed so hard that I would be able to keep God's
commandments away from home. I said to myself "I need to be courageous to say NO
if they will tell me to do things that is against God's principles." I kept
reading my Bible and shared the truth about the sabbath to other students
that were with me. I explained to them why I dont eat the food they eat, why I
keep the sabbath saturday than sunday. And they just nod and do their rosary
too.
We arrived in
Manila friday. The Regional Director (Dept of Educ) announced that enhancement
seminar will be held tommorow (Saturday) no one is exempted! I talked to my
couch heartily, "Ma'am, before I came here, you promised I will be exempted
from Sabbath trainings." She replied, "can't you hear that? He is our
head. We must follow or you go home. Dont worry I wont tell your mom that you
joined the training. Dont worry you will do this once only, your God will surely
understand." I got teary eyes. I asked her "What can I do to fight my
faith?" she said, "If you have the courage to talk to one of the
Division Supervisors for a request to be exempted. But I tell you shes
very strict, you'll be embarassed." That time all I have in my heart was
the courage to talk to the Supervisor. I went inside the room and prayed,
"Lord I dont want to violate your Holy day. Please touch the heart of the
Supervisor"
I took a deep
breath, I went to the supervisor and said, "Good Afternoon Maam, I'm one of
your students. I would like to ask for an exemption for tommorow's training
since It is Saturday. It is the sabbath of the Lord according to the Bible. If
Im going to violate it, He will surely wont answer my prayer. He will not help
me. All our efforts will be in vain." Unexpectedly, she replied, "Yes,
miss Novi, I respect your faith with your God. You are exempted tommorow. Please
pray to your God that He will help you win." Happily, I ran to my room and
prayed to God and thanked Him. That Saturday, I worshipped God and studied His
words.
The night came
before the contest. The head of all the teachers from diffrent schools called
everyone to gather for a special worship, asking for God's help. There were
nearly 40 students and teachers in the room that night. The principal teacher
stood up and said "for the message we will ask Ms Novi to give us an
encouragement". I really wondered why she pointed me (maybe because I
was the only one bringing a Bible). I did not refused coz it was a
privilege. It was a chance for me to share GOd's truth to these brilliant minds
(although worldly wisdom). I quoted the verse my mom gave to me before I left
home. In Deuteronomy 28:13...And the Lord shall make thee the head and
not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if
thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee
this day, to observe and to do them: I stressed to them that we have to
keep His commandments in order for Him to make us the head. God's promises are
conditional. We have to keep His commandments. I enumerated the 10 commandments.
I finished the message uplifting God's Laws. I never heard a word from them.
Hours later after the worship, I was
reviewing the words I've said. I prayed to God, "Lord,
please help me. Show to them that you are with me and that my words are from
you. Show to them that you love those who keep your commandments. But if it isnt
your will I would accept that just like I have accepted the failures I have been
through along the way before I get here."
The contest came, in my thoughts were the
promises of God. I kept on praying for His help. The gymnasium was so crowded
with different contestants from different regions of the country. I cant count
them one by one. We were given 1 hour to watch a game and then 1 hour to write
the news about it in separated rooms. With an empty stomach, I finished my
output 5 minutes before the due.
Upon arriving at the building, where the
students are accomodated, the Regional Director announced that for the first
time they will asked for help from the Division OFfice. The Regional office (for
the first time) will no longer shoulder the fare going back to our place
(Misamis Occidental) due to financial shortage. So the tickets were rebooked and
we have new tickets. Instead of via Cagayan, we have to sail via Ozamis this
time since it is one of the cities of Misamis Occidental (much nearer).
We were in the sea port while the
awarding was going on in the huge auditorium in Sta Cruz, Laguna, Philippines. A
text message came to one of the teachers (I dont have a cellphone). It states,
"Champion, Sportswriting, Novilene. Congrats!" After
hearing that, the first thing came to my mind was the Deut 28:13. I thank God so
much. I heard them saying, "She won because she kept the commandments of God.
Have you observed that she was always reading her Bible, indeed, God helped
her." I told them, "It wasnt me, To Him be the glory." God did not want
me to be ashamed of the words I shared to them the night before the contest. I
remember the contest between Prophet Elijah in Mount Carmel. At the end, God
showed to the people the truth.
Finally, we got onboard. Some of the
students and teachers were no longer with us almost half of them are boarding at
the other ship, the Superferry 14 (the first ship in which our ticket was
booked). Around 5am, I heard the news from the national television that
Superferry 14 is in tragedy. It has bombed in it at the tourist accomodation (my
ticket was tourist accomodation). It burned the entire ship. Some of the news
about the Superferry 14 of February 2004 tragedy is found in http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl100123.htm
Everything in our life is God's will. I
learned not to complain during failures. During trying hours I just prayed to
Him for strength. If the ticket was not rebooked by the Regional director, I
should be one of the victims in that tragedy. Some of the students were missing
until now. My life is in God's hand. I know He has a plan for me.
He made me the head and not the tail in a
national writing contest and He saved my life from the tragedy because I keep
His commandments.
Later, I heard that competition is not
good. Especially in the classroom because it might cultivate a pride in the
heart and that invites sin. I always bear in my mind and heart that the success
of that event was from God and not from my own strength. Without Him Im nothing.
And thats what I always pray to God...to be humble.
The news spread throughout the province. I
just replied, "It was Jesus Christ who helped me, not me alone!"
Sister in
Christ,
Novi
p.s
Thank you so much
for the website www.remnantofgod.org. It helped me a lot in spreading the truth to
my classmates and friends. the quotes I needed were there.
Johnny R
Come and listen, all you
who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
Psalms 66:16
> >> >
My earliest recollection of my childhood was when I was approximately 4 ½ years
old. I remember waking up to the sound of horrific screams which resonated off
the walls because my mother had been murdered. After the murder I moved into a
very poor neighborhood in the West Dallas suburbs where I lived with my
grandparents who loved me, At the time that was all that seemed to matter. It
wasn't very long before I realized I would be betrayed , as I experienced
sexual abuse for the very first time.
I was still confused about my mothers death, it seems no one thought it was
important enough to explain it to me.
Then at about the age of 8, my father who had been released from prison for
murder,started physically abusing me from the age of 8 until I turned 17. The
physical abuse consisted of black eyes, busted lips, and bruises. The abuse was
done at the hands of my father and step mother took place while we attended a
church where my father also served as a teacher for a youth group. Therefore,
we lived a double life, one that was done in a manner that seemed noone noticed
that I was being abused. My parents threatened to make things worse if I told
anyone. I honestly don't remember having told anyone, although teachers and
other adults questioned me. When questioned about my bruises, I would simply
say I fell down or was hit by a ball. I believe the teachers were aware that
something was very wrong by my behavior. Even so, why would I confide in any
adult since I did not trust them because as a child I remember telling my
parents of another sexual abuse that had taken place by a family member who
babysat us but they did not believe me. In revenge my aunt came back the very
next day and burned me with a butter knife as I was using the restroom as she
called me a snitch.
As I got older I began to understand the circumstances surrounding my mothers
murder. As if things were not already bad enough, I was being told my mother
committed suicide which I knew to be a lie. So to add insult to injury I was
being told don't be a quitter like your mom, or why are you so stupid, retarded
and ugly.
Proverbs 8:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat
its fruits.Parents, choose your words wisely.
So you can imagine why I grew up so confused, hating church and God because I
did not understand why He would allow this to happen to me. I would hear my dad
teach & preach at pro-teens (youth group) then come home and beat me and
call me all types of bad names. Therefore, I did not want anything to do with
HIM (God) especially if he was anything like my earthly dad.
I joined the marines,but unfortunately after a year I was kicked out, in other
words given a general discharge. My combat & weapons training in the
marines coupled with all the anger bottled in me, made me attractive to the
gangs and drug dealers alike. While in Phoenix where I grew up, I engaged in
selling drugs even though at the time I did not use them myself. Eventually, I
began to do drugs and became addicted and so began my downfall.
I was thrown in prison for drug related crimes.. It was while I was doing a
stint in prison that I began to experience God's presence. I sensed
"God's" grace and mercy calling and drawing me. I truly felt like the
prodigal son but figured God would beat me up and think of me in the same
manner of my earthly dad. Like I was an ugly stupid quitter, and He would not
have anything to do with me. So I kept running from Him, once I was released
from the Arizona State prison system I headed to Colorado. I was in Colorado
for several months when one day as I left a Sureno gang party, I ran across a
Mexican drug dealer who asked if he could use my phone. I allowed him to use it
but it wasn't very long before I realized his intention was to keep my phone. I
was very angry and began to beat him with my fists and even used a brick. Till
I felt his warm blood trickling down my arms I stopped. I thought of moving
back to Phoenix to escape being arrested, when I was turned in by my sister and
charged with attempted murder. I was very angry as I thought about the betrayal
by my own sister. Once again I questioned why God hated me so much. As a result
of my arrest I spent 5 yrs in prison, after which I was released and paroled.
Once I was released from prison, I felt weary and asked God if I could go home.
I told Him, I love you, if you love me show me because I have no where else to
go. I began attending church services in Greeley Co at the Rock Church where I
met a beautiful Christian Mexican lady named Sylvia. I was captivated by her
and fell in love. At this time I had not had a girlfriend in six years and we
were inseparable. We dated for 3 month and planned to marry. One day while
waiting for her in the parking lot of her apts she was murdered. I was angry
with God and even go as far as to say I hated Him, as I believed He hated me.
This was the second significant woman in my life to be murdered.
After Sylvia's murder I went back to the Colorado State penitentiary to
complete my prison term. Once I was released from prison I had a heavy heart
and felt devoid of life. I went back to Phoenix where I started selling drugs
again, and became a caretaker of 3 prostitutes whom I moved in with so that I
could use their place as a pad to deal drugs and sell guns. Of course I knew I
would eventually get unwanted attention from other gang members and drug
dealers and also cops who were already hot on my trail, so after awhile I
relocated to Dallas. By this time I was ready for a change and wanted to clean
up my act as I was tired of running from God. I knew of God, always knew of Him
but something was missing or didn't make sense to me. I wanted to know God the
real God not the one I had been taught. Although that was my intention once I
got back to Dallas I found myself selling drugs, using, and dealing as well. I
was dealing to call-girls, doctors, and anyone who had money.
Things seemed to be going well at least from a worldly prospective when I
started using drugs more heavily, and i started shooting up, something I had
never done to this point. It wasn't very long before I had people after me so I
was forced to pack a gun for protection.
One day while sitting in a parked stolen vehicle which was located in front of
my Aunt Yolanda's house, a police officer ran the plates on the vehicle and it
came back stolen, in which case they proceeded to arrest me. I resisted arrest
and got involved in a physical altercation with police Officers who were given
support by an innocent bystander, and eventually I was subdued and placed under
arrest. I was charged with grand theft auto-for being in possession of a loaded
firearm & Agg. Ass. On a police officer At this point I was facing a 55
year prison term. At least that was the only offer that was being floated by
the states prosecuting attorney.
One week before trial began, they lost the gun that was to be used as evidence
against me, so my term was reduced to one year after which I was released. Once
released from prison I decided to move back to Colorado, since I was being
informed by family members that a “Hit” and/or contract was put on my life. At
this point I was coming to the end of myself, and longing for a better life, as
I was restless, and weary, and I knew I needed to get right with God.
Once I arrived in Colorado I met a lady who was involved in the drug trade and
moved in with her. I was really worn out and didn't want to sell drugs anymore
but I was still using. I started getting
job offers to collect for drug dealers and even crooked businesses. One day in
line with my job as a “Collector” I approached a young man who owed some money.
He told me he was not going to pay the money he owed and even threatened me. So
I beat him up and told him I would be back for the money he owed.
I returned that night for the money but he was no where to be found. I decided
to check for him at his next door neighbors house where I was met by a
beautiful white girl who happens to look Mexican. I found her really attractive
and although it was sexual at first, I thought it could turn into something
more serious. I turned on the charm and introduced myself as Listo, as soon as
she heard my name her eyes lit up as if she knew me. What I didn't know was
that the individual I was looking for was there and was hiding himself from me
the whole time I was talking with her. She knew that I was the individual that
had beaten him up. I proceeded to party for 3 whole days with this lady named
Kim. After I left, three day's went by and I started to realize I could not
live with without her. Thankfully, after a couple of day's she called me
because she wanted to buy drugs. It was at that time I considered going back
into the drug trade that I might stay in contact with her. It wasn't very long
before I left the other girl I was living with and moved in with Kim. This
whole time five years I'd been praying for a Christian wife.
We, Kim and I, knew in order to have a fighting chance, we would have to move
out of state. At this time, one of the ladies I broke up with, and one of her
friends was seeking vengeance as they planed to have me arrested on a trumped
up charge of a stolen car, Thankfully God is faithful and delivered me from
adversity. We moved to California and things were going great, for the very
first time I felt like a normal human being. No drugs, gang violence, or having
to look over my shoulder for cops and/or other gang members. We started
attending church and Kim gave her life to God. Unfortunately, I still needed
deliverance as I continued in a destructive path. I was play acting in my walk
with God. On one hand going to church services, while on the other hand still craving
meth viewing porn, listening to gangster rap, and violent tendency. I was
literally two persons in one body. On one hand I was “LISTO” or “JOHNNY LISTO”
which in English means “READY” like in ready for action, who wanted to live a
worldly life, and on the other hand there was plain “JOHNNY” who just wanted to
be affirmed by God. My struggles led me to several relapses which caused me to
beat my wife, where I left her with black eyes and busted lips. Eventually,at 5
months of being pregnant my wife had enough and left me. It was then I broke
down and cried realizing it was time for a permanent change. I repented and
made a promises to God that I would never touch meth, view porn or hurt people
again. I know now that my life has been given back to me as a gift from “Yah”
through the power of the Holy Spirit. I was born again baptized and now I am
filled with the Holy Spirit. Praise God I have been clean for 3½ years, all the
glory,honor, and praise be to our loving heavenly Father God .
In the interim we had become homeless, the only car we had was breaking down
every other day, and we did not have jobs. Everything seemed hopeless, but we
stayed faithful to God. We knew by staying faithful and obedient, even when it
didn't make sense, that He would keep His promises and be faithful to us. God
doesn't lie and never will, I can promise you that!!! He has since provided
us with a nice home and cars, has blessed us with new spiritual truths which
opened our eyes to erroneous man made doctrines, which eventually led to our
stepping down from a church where we served as youth pastors, because we
decided we would no longer compromise.
Y'all can have this world just give us Jesus . He blessed me with my best
friend as my wife, and with a precious lil girl who we named Minnie after my
late mom. He promised restoration and believe me, He is good to us, and we are
truly blessed!! Now yall see why the TRUTH OBEDIENCE & PURITY ARE so
important to us! I should be dead or in prison for life but God had a different
plan for my life and here I am as a testimony of His love, mercy &
grace......Praise God!
So anything good in us is all from Him. New Heart & New Spirit = new
desires! If God can change me He can change anyone are you ready?
“And I shall give you a NEW HEART and put a NEW SPIRIT within you. And I shall
take the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I shall give you a heart of
flesh, and put My Spirit within you . And I shall cause you to walk in My laws
and guard My right-rulings and shall do them. Ezekiel 36:26-27
My wish for all who read this testimony is that you would be encouraged to know
that God loves you and can deliver you as he has me. I hope it serves to
encourage you to walk closely with our heavenly FATHER and allow HIM to
minister to you as he restores you and brings you into a deeper relationship
with Him..... Praise God!!!
Sincerely,
in Him your brother with love~Johhny no more “LISTO” Rodriguez
Please
e-mail me a testimony!
I
am looking for the wonderous workings of our Lord and Savior in
the lives of His church. Has the Lord done something for you that
you want to shout from the rooftops and tell the world? Do
you want to glorify the Lord Jesus for all to see?? PLEASE...Send me your testimonies. Let's tell the world what
Jesus is doing TODAY! I
AM LOOKING FOR TESTIMONIES OF MIRACLES REGRADING OR
RESULTING IN: SALVATION HEALINGS FAMILY FRIENDS FINANCIAL PERSONAL VISIONS HOME LOVE ETC...ETC...ETC
Email me with your Heavenly
blessings today. ALSO...Let me know if you want your "email
or web address" posted on this page. This will allow many
who are having trouble in the same area's YOU were blessed in,
someone they can relate to and pray with. You have been there!
Now let's help those that are STILL there. The sooner you send
your testimonies the sooner I can finish this page and we can
start GLORIFYING THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. ...Nicholas
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