Throughout my primary and secondary school years, I developed a simple answer to Christianity, which was ‘I go to church’. But eight years ago, when I was 14, I had to undergo one of the biggest challenges in my life. I had to face moving to Ghana.
I was so afraid I wouldn’t make any friends there and would be unable to adapt to a new environment. I felt I would be so alone.
My experience in Ghana brought me loads of personal difficulties. I felt the only way I was going to live through it was by reading the Bible and Christian books. A book I read called Hope again by Charles Swindoll helped me maintain hope and faith that I would make it through those hard times.
Realisation
It was at that time that I realised I had to turn round my life to the God I had been hearing about. I accepted I was a sinner and needed Christ in my life to forgive me my sin.
I strongly believe in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that God gave his one and only Son to die on the cross for me, so that my sins would be forgiven. I truly accepted Christ into my life from my heart.
A verse in the Bible which became one of my favourites is Revelation 3:20: ‘Behold! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I shall come in and dine with him, and he with me’.
What has God done to affect my life? In all the decisions I make, God influences them in many ways. During my last year in secondary school, my friend and I were walking home after school. Three boys approached us and wanted money, but we didn’t have any.
One of the boys took out a knife and started counting down from ten. He said that if I didn’t give the money (which I did not have), he would stab me.
All of a sudden, one of the boys asked me if I was a Christian. I said yes without hesitation and the three boys backed off. In that situation I was indeed protected by God, because I had earlier accepted him into my life and become a Christian.
Strengthening
It’s not always easy for me to read the Bible and pray every day, but I know it is very important. I am currently studying hard in my final year of university and pray God will see me through to the end of my psychology course.
If I wasn’t a Christian, my choice of university would have been based on where my friends were going. But it’s not what I want to do; it’s what God wants me to do that is important. This is why my choice of university was in London, to keep me closer to my own church.
I was diagnosed with MS in November 2010 and thought I would have to drop out of university, but God had other plans for me. I thank God for another Bible verse — ‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength’ (Isaiah 40:31).
I thank God for my family; for leading me to Selhurst Evangelical Church, for they too are all part of my family; and for that church’s ministry.
I would like to ask you this question. Are you right with God? Can you say that when all life ends you know where you are going? I know I will be in heaven with the Lord. God is knocking on the door of your heart; all you need to do is open it.
Vivaldo Puplampu
