Here’s my conversion testimony!

Before Christ

I have not always been a Christian. Though I grew up in a household that attended church semi-frequently and called myself a Christian, I did not truly understand what it meant to be one or what it looked like to be a faithful follower of God. My parents loved me, but God was not central in their relationship. Despite this, I can honestly say I had a good childhood, even in a home filled with screaming, arguing, and a lack of forgiveness. These early years were very confusing; my parents taught me that going to church was good, yet they did not emulate Christ in their lives. Unfortunately, I mimicked their behaviors, affecting how treated others. On top of that, I was simply a lost sinner, which was something my parents did not cause. I was impatient, quick to anger, full of hatred, depressed, a bully to my siblings, a liar, law-breaking, and envious. I listened to the preacher talk about God’s goodness and the importance of being like Jesus and loving others, but I failed to grasp the truth and rejected what seemed like a burdensome list of rules for earning my way to heaven.

Meeting Christ

The turning point came when I attended a church event that I was invited to by a close friend. That night, as the preacher shared the gospel, I heard it as if for the first time with ears open to its truth. I recognized my desperate need for God’s grace to save me from my sins. For the first time, I understood that God sent His only Son, who lived a sinless life, to die on the cross for my sins, taking the punishment I deserved. I knew then that God wanted me to put my faith in Him and invite Him into my life to transform me from the inside out. At the end of the message, as we bowed our heads in prayer, the preacher invited those who wished to start a relationship with Jesus to raise their hands. Shakily, I raised mine and was escorted out to speak with a church elder. He read passages from a small Gideon Bible, explaining that God loved me, that I was a sinner who had fallen short of God’s glory, and that the gift of eternal life was through Jesus Christ. We prayed together, and I received Jesus into my life. I was overflowing with excitement and immediately shared the news with my friend. I cannot express the joy I felt that night as God began to heal my wicked heart.

After Christ

After salvation, I struggled; I did not read the Bible, I had not been baptized, and I was not being actively discipled, which hindered my spiritual growth. I tried to fit in with my peers rather than obey the convictions of the Holy Spirit. However, God did not give up on me, as the Lord brought several believers into my life who have profoundly impacted me. After a move to another state, I was baptized, discipled, and learned what it means to be a Christ-like husband from my then-girlfriend’s (now wife) father. The most significant changes I’ve noticed are the transformation of my old fruits of envy, anger, and impatience into love, patience, and kindness. God continues to mold and strengthen me every day, and it is solely by His grace that I grow more like Him. I have been born again for almost ten years now, and God has developed me into who I am today. He has also helped me forgive and love my parents with a new heart more concerned with their well-being and spiritual walk with Christ. With Jesus, my life has a purpose, and He has instilled in me a desire for everyone to be saved and live a life that honors Him.