Growing up as young boy, I had difficulties becoming a Christian. I soon realised that I was led to praying for salvation only because I feared hell and not because I realised I was indeed a sinner.

I always had this emptiness within my heart, I had no interest in spiritual things e.g. going to church, reading the bible and going for youth meetings at church. I would rather go and play soccer, than go for YP meetings.

I finally became a Christian in October of 1998. Mother called me to her bedroom on several occasions to talk to me about my unruly behaviour towards my siblings. On one occasion I recall, when things had gone from bad to worse, she to just give my life to Christ and ask Him to change me.  She reminded me of the fact that I knew the way of salvation fairly well, because I had listened to so many sermons at church. I recall laughing as walked out her bedroom. I thought to myself, “With that fake humility and sorrowful look, I have tricked her!” But then, I realised I could not trick God. When I got to my room, my young brother was already asleep. I had just gotten in bed when thoughts of how I lived my life began and where I would go if died began to flood my mind. That marked the start of my conviction. When I imagined just how displeased God was at my way of living, I began to cry. I sat up in my bed, and cried out to God for forgiveness. I asked him to cleanse me of my sins and help me live for him. I recall mentioning some of the many sins I had committed. After I prayed, I felt what many would like to call ‘inner peace’. Peter describes it as an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter1:8.

The first five years in the Faith were not as smooth as I had expected. I faced multiple challenges instead. I was practically heading downhill, because I hardly spent time in prayer or reading God’s word, even when I had the time. Even though I struggled, I was a changed person in many ways. I was now interested in attending church services and youth meetings. And most of all, I spent much time thanking and praising God for choosing before the foundations of the earth. Not because of anything good in me, but because of his undeserving love and grace. Amen!