Raised a muslim for the last18 years of my life. I grew up learning more about the culture then the Quran. I was always very confused about my beliefs. I was always smiling but still hurting inside, and didnt even realize why! When people would ask me what was wrong i didnt know how to explain being so lost. I mean its hard to explain what you do not know. I did Ramadan this past fall, which is a fast that muslims do. This is when I truly began to question my beliefs. I felt that i was fasting for all the wrong reasons, i couldnt help but cry. The kind of person I am is I want to make everyone else happy, never realizing that I need to be happy as well.
One day while I was on the treadmill I was invited to visit New Vision Ministry Center, and I thought about it and said why not. I wanted to wait until Ramadan was over and the Sunday after I got dressed and headed out to visit church for the first time ever. This was on October 5, 2008. Not too long ago. Didnt know what to expect, all i knew about church was from what I saw on TV. The instant I entered New Vision my I was amazed! The music, the people, and the enviroment was so beautiful. The sermon began, and the message that the pastor spoke I felt was directed toward me. It so moved me. Everything that I have been holding inside, was running through my head, I felt something go through my body. They kept talking about this man Jesus and I didnt know who he was, I had heard of him but didnt know him. The pastor then did the altar call, and with no hesitation i went up there and decided that I wanted to get to know Jesus.
I started reading the bible with my amazing spiritual family. I had to keep this all hidden from my muslim family. I remember one night and i was reading the bible in my bedroom and my mom walked in and I quickly hid it, she asked me what I was hiding but I could not show her. 3 weeks after I was saved on October 19, 2008, I made the decision to be baptized. That day was so amazing, i was so excited while waiting in line, the my turn came I couldnt help but cry and cry. I was shaking as i stepped into the water, not from fear but from amazment at all that had already changed in my life. I gave my testimony with many tears in between, then I went under the water and when they brought me out I had a large smile on my face! I was reborn!
Ever since then I have been reading my word and spending time in prayer faithfully! I desire for God to use me and my testimony to reach others. Here is a list of some huge changes in my life:
1. My taste in music: Didnt mind the music with all the vulgar lyrics, and that was negative. Now I listen to Christain music and music that has a positive message.
2. My taste in men: I used to like the attention from the men who would tell me how sexy they thought i was, or only wanted me for the outside. Now I desire a man who has a heart for God. Who places God #1 in their life. A man who gets to know the person I am on the inside.
3. Language & Gossip: I didnt cuss to the extreme, but i did take the Lords name in vain and say slanderous words. Now I realize the power of the tongue and will not take my lords name in vain or use any words that doesnt help build someone up. I also used to judge others. NO MORE! I have learned love, acceptance, not to judge, and forgivness through my Lord Jesus Christ!
4. My outlook on life: God places so many struggles in our lifes, i used to always focus on the situation. Now I realize how blessed i was and am to go through struggled b/c they teach. I learn from struggles and become stronger. And now I can help someone when they go through a struggle similar. To gain wisdom and discernment is a blessing.
I give it all to God. He is in control of my life. By no means am I perfect, I am only human and I will fall short but with God on my side there is no way I can fall and stay down. He will lift up my head and I will go on. I am just going through this world, and I as I go through it I will continue to be a light to those who are lost. ON MY WAY TO GLORY! Seeking his will for my life!
I had told my mother about my converting. An I have blessed with being persecuted ever since. She is slowly trying to accept it. Just keep on praying for her.
The more I seek God, the more I find God, the more I find him, the more I love him!
I would like to take the time to thank the Holy Spirit for leading the words that were written, and thank you for taking time to read this if you got to this point! :)
If you dont know Jesus, then I urge you to get to know him!!!!! He is so amazing:)
God Bless you all!
