Philadelphia Assembly of God Church in Calgary

     We all weren't raised to be bad. Even if for those who had not been reared in a church going home still their father and mother did a good job of instilling in them a solid moral base from which to operate. Some of that instructions came at the end of a "solid" belt, and we knew right from wrong. However, it is not uncommon that most of us fail to see that we are just as capable of vicious, hateful and evil actions as anyone else. My life underwent many changes in the past six years. Many days were spent in examining my life and its meaning. When a person hits rock bottom, he has the opportunity to take inventory of his life. After seeing myself for the prideful, and rebellious individual that I was in came the opportunity to hear what God had to say about it.

      For the first time, in refuge camp, I was told of this full MAN and full GOD named Jesus in a different way that I used to see Him. Jesus had come to give His life as a ransom for many. I was always opposed to the different way of my own father and mother church. I was an authority on the bible, and yet I had never read it for myself. But through the hardship and suffering of my life I learned of the love that only God could have for me, of how He had sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to go through the whole life thing, just so that He could die for us- for the world. I couldn't believe it so easy. Because of my sinful life, I felt that I couldn't go to God for He would destroy me. But once I did believe that God loved me and could forgive me, I put my trust and life into what He had said and He had already done. I simply confessed my sins to God and thanked Jesus Christ for dying for me. And God has now forgiven me!

    What a wonderful news! What a glorious message to read, to hear and believe." There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." This is the message that changed my life. I pray it will change yours also. Trusting Christ behind bars(prison) gave me the unique opportunity to study the bible. I had plenty of time on my hands. Personal bible reading became a daily routine. The word of God was my constant companion. I truly believe that God had His hand on my life from the day I received Jesus Christ as my Savior. Just before to come back to the society, I felt the need to find someone to whom I could be accountable to so that I could continue to grow in Christ. I told Pastor Workineh my concerns and he has counseled me to make my heads up and serve Jesus Christ. I am so blessed to have a home church to go back to. 

       But God knew that I needed to be part of the church. So I was directed to my personal pastor,Workineh, by the spirit of God. He received me to attend his church. Thank God that he did. The first Sunday I attended the church, I have presented my written testimony to the congregation. The members came to me at the conclusion of the worship time, upon knowing who I was, blessed me with the love of God. Pastor Workineh introduced me to the others as a brother in Christ. There were many greetings. I was so grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ that I was among my people who loved me and truly loved our Lord. They accepted me as brother, for in Christ we are. I have a strong desire to serve God; I had decided to follow Jesus. " No turning back, no turning back" I had submitted myself to Christ for discipleship. I am willing to pay the cost to let Him be the boss. " saved unto good works.." Eph.2:10.

       I love to share with people my personal testimony of what Jesus Christ had done in my life. I had served a prison term (solid time)for a crime that I never committed. God has used me tremendously in side the prison. I have found a prayer group for the first time in the prison I was incarcerated. I have a close contact with my fellow Christian brother in the same prison. I have learnt recently that the prayer group has been expanded and our territory is being enlarged even outside the prison. I really desire communicate a message of hope to the prisoners. During this transition period of my life, I want to serve to the groups who are dealing with the prisoners as a volunteer. I want to do personal counseling, lead a bible class and preach at the Sunday services. I want to do whatever I am asked of me in order to serve the men in prison.

     I want to go to the jail as often as I can. I know that I will enjoy it so much than anything. Time and space do not permit me to tell of the many lessons and blessings that God has brought into my life. To say that I will be blessed beyond all measure is an understatement. But I do believe that what God has done for me, what He has shown me of His grace and mercy and what He continues to teach me of His love and power isnot confined to me. He has blessings untold and ten thousands besides for all who will dare to trust and seek to obey Him. God wants to develop a life-long friendships with each and single soul. He doesnot have any criteria or demand any pre-requistes to be our real and true friend to the end. Friendship is a foundational part of God's way of life.

      The first step toward friendship with God is to accept what Jesus did on the cross for all human being. He said, " There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." JHON 15:13. Jesus gave His life for us by dying in the cross for our sins. You can become a friend of God by asking Jesus to become your Savior. He is a Friend who will never leave you and never forsake you;a Friend who will help you life to be meaningful and complete. Today is a good time to make a fresh committment friendship. I encourage you to make my mottoo, your motto;choose to love God, love people and love life. I challenge you to do as the pslamist says," O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusts in Him." (psalm 34:8} I challenge you to give yourself totally to the will and purpose of God for your life.  (Roman 12:1,2). You and those around you will be amazed at what God can do with your life. Pray for me, that I will continue to be used by Him to bring glory and honor to His name.

    GOD LOVES YOU ALL. JESUS SAVES! HE LIVES! AMEN.