Before accepting Jesus, every morning, I took my Bible and randomly read and prayed before going to school. I did this as a routine, not because I was excited to hear from God, but only because of the pressure I had from my parents in doing it. I opened the Bible, read a few lines and ended up with a small prayer though I didn’t know what I was reading in the Bible and saying in the prayer. Therefore, this didn't help me in any way.

One certain morning, I again randomly opened my Bible to read. I happened to read from Ecclesiastes 11:9-10.

“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain (evil) from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity”

That time I was unable to move anywhere but felt God was speaking with me through those two verses. I saw that God was sitting on His throne judging the people who were standing before Him. I immediately understood what the judgement from Him for my sins was, it was hell. I began shivering and knelt down in prayer confessing my sins to God saying, “Oh Lord, forgive my sins.  Give me Your grace to live as a genuine Christian for You as my parents live today onwards. Please use me for Your glory and Kingdom throughout the nations.” Since then, I started reading the Bible from the New Testament and read through it. I began spending hours together in prayer on the mountain nearby my village and at my small house. I would get up very early in the morning while it was still dark and climb up the mountain to pray. Many times, I slipped while climbing up but it was my great desire to spend time communing with God in a quiet place.  I started to seek the Lord with all my heart, singing His praises with thanksgiving, and letting the Holy Spirit talk with me through the Word. God began changing and transforming my life. Many people in my village noticed the change and that I had stopped roaming with my peers and started spending time alone at my house and on the mountain.

Now looking back, I see how God has changed my life and used me for furthering His Kingdom. I am so thankful for all He has done in my life and in the ministry. The Lord speaks to me every day and I get blessed, strengthened and encouraged through His Word. I want to encourage each of you, my beloved brothers and sisters, to spend time each day with the Lord. Seek Him in prayer and spend time with Him by reading His Word. It is such a blessed gift to have a glorious God who seeks to have a personal relationship with us. May we treasure each moment and cherish time spent with Him!