--By Andres Noriega

I was at the point of entering university to study Philosophy. It was like a dream come true. I would finally be able to escape from my parents and their situation. My father was a pastor. I had lived with shortages and limitations. The last thing I ever wanted was to become a pastor. Because to me it stood for poverty, humiliation, danger and suffering. I had seen it and had lived through it. This was the time to get away from it. Go to university, learn, get a good job, become somebody. What I had forgotten...God had not.

My mother could not have children, for various reasons. Then, through a miracle, she got pregnant. She was overwhelmed with joy. When I was still in my mother's womb, promises came from different sources that the fruit of her womb was to become a servant of God. But here I was...entering university. I had forgotten all about the promises to my mother. In fact, instead of following the Lord at all, I lived my own life, the life of the world, with plenty of fun and pleasure. I knew I lived in sin, but I still enjoyed it much more than living the dull life of a Christian.

But just before I entered the university something happened. It was as if a film was played, showing my life story. My whole life passed before me... and the Lord touched my heart. I saw my stubbornness and His love, my insignificant self and His majesty. I cried and confessed my sins. Everything lost its value, nothing became more important than to receive forgiveness. I renounced all and dedicated my life to His service.

Today I am a pastor, joyful and happy and with this great conviction: The little that a righteous man has, is better than the riches of the wicked.

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me, Your love, O Lord, endures forever... do not abandon the works of your hands." (Psalm 138:8)

* (Andres Noriega is from Cuba and he shares about his life with the Lord. Writes under a pseudonym) Bound to be Free with the Suffering Church, compiled by Jan Pit

PRAYER

"Lord, let me be wheat sown in the earth, to be harvested for you. I want to follow wherever you lead me. Give me fresh hope and joy in serving you all the days of my life." "Lord, your gospel brings joy and freedom. May I be loyal to you always, even though it produce a cross on earth, that I may share in your crown in eternity".

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