Restoration Faith Centre

I am come that they might have life, and that they might

have it more abundantly. John 10:10 KVJ

 

Jenni

 

My life has been radically changed by the power of Jesus. I feel as if a veil was over my eyes, and someone gently lifted it off to reveal a glistening, bright creation. I have been freed from bonds of captivity that I had no idea were enslaving me! I was drowning in a violent storm yet blindfolded to the futility of my circumstances. Then strong arms rescued me, and I will never be the same again. I am truly saved. All glory and honour to Jesus Christ!

 This wonderful experience happened in September of 2001. I was living in central Wellington, involved in the average rebellion of New Zealand youth. Drugs, parties and a boyfriend consumed my reason for existence. I was pushing myself to slip deeper into this rebellion, believing that this would be the way I would become accepted, fulfilled and loved. This desire to rebel had been a strong part of my mindset since I was young.  

I grew up in great family with a mum and dad who love me more than I ever can thank them for. They were not Christian so I grew up witnessing the lifestyle of the world all around me. But God was with me and He knew of the plan that He had for my family. I went to Sunday school with a lady down the road and I owned a children’s Bible given to me by my mum. I loved to read the stories and dream of this God who made the world. Seeds were sown into my life which never left.

 At the age of 13 I went to an El Rancho Christian Camp with a friend from school. I remember standing in an auditorium full of hundreds of people lifting their hands to God. Something deep inside me cried out. The presence of God fell on me and I could feel Him all over. I cried and cried. A woman took me aside to a smaller prayer room and led me in the prayer of salvation. I was saved!  

On returning home I soon succumbed to other pressures mounting around me. Another desire rose up within which I did not ignore: the pull of the world.

For the next six years I experimented with sin, forcing myself to forget God.

I was angry at the hurt and pain of life, and determined not to get hurt myself.

In my deception I thought I could protect myself by hardening my heart, pushing myself to delve deeper into sin. So I was sexually promiscuous, drank alcohol and did drugs. I was determined to lose my innocence. Until September 2001.

 My boyfriend at the time was a backslidden Christian. He reminded me again of Jesus. I had forgotten what it was like to know Him and to be loved by Him. Through talking to him about God the Holy Spirit began a work on my heart, digging deep and unlodging the deception which bound my spirit. The strongholds of fear and rebellion were weakening and my heart began to melt. I found my old Good News Bible which had been given to me at 13.

 Sitting by the Wellington waterfront, reading a psalm, the presence of God fell upon me for the second time in my life. Once again I cried my heart out before Him. Trembling, I spoke out the salvation prayer written in the cover of my Bible, confessing my sin before a merciful God. My eyes were opened and light flooded my soul. Joy burst forth out of my tired heart. I was saved! Again!

 At work that evening I could not stop smiling and crying with joy. I had a glimpse of Jesus which blew me away. I knew there was a God that loved me! I found a church and started attending. But I could not seem to break free from the sin around me. Every Sunday (when I made it), I would cry before my God, wanting Him but stuck in my environment of sin.

I was afraid of what people would think so in my fear I continued to do drugs and remained with my boyfriend. This could not go on. I felt torn between two worlds, a fraud in both. I was blown about like a reed in the wind and unstable in all my ways. I became desperate. Once again, strong arms reached down and lifted me out of the confusion

 I found my home church, Restoration Faith Centre, an on-fire group of Christians who are sold out for Jesus. Kevin O’Hagan, the pastor, preached an uncompromising Word which went straight into my spirit, breaking down the deception. But I was still stuck in my old flat, surrounded by sin.

 Jesus led two girls from RFC to ask me to move into a flat with them, which was a saving miracle of God. I was finally free from my old life! I now live in a wonderful Christian home with my two sisters. Here I have been established in Jesus, and have grown to know Him and love Him more than all the words in the world could express. I will bless the Lord at all times and His praises will continually be in my mouth. For those whom the Lord sets free are free indeed!

 I have been translated out of a kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of Light. I know what is to be forgiven! I was destined for hell but Jesus saved me. Forever will I serve Him and worship Him simply because I know His great love.  

It has been one year now since I have been going to RFC and I have never known such soul deep joy and peace. My sister got saved 3 months ago and I know the Holy Spirit is working in my family. I know my family will be with me on that wonderful day when I see my Prince face to face. Until that day I will live my life for Him, telling His people what Jesus has done for me. He is real and I will forever lift my hands to Him. Thank You Jesus.