Hi everyone, my name is Eric and this is my testimony: 3d1q6u
It’s early 2022.
I’m in my room alone and I’m about to do something I’m not proud of.
When suddenly, I hear a strong voice warn me:
“If you do that, I’ll leave you and never be by your side.”
I gulp.
“Huh … What was THAT?!? Am I hearing voices?!?
I look around but clearly no one’s here.
And then … something deep down tells me it’s …
… God’s voice.
I don’t know how I know. I just do.
And when it hits me that God Himself — the Creator of the universe, the King of Kings — might’ve just given me an ultimatum … I do what any smart person would do:
I clean up my act and beg Him not to leave.
Fast forward two years.
I’ve given up everything God has asked of me: gambling, women, smoking.
I’ve even read the entire Bible for the first time in my life!
And even though my life’s definitely much better, my soul yearns to get closer to Him.
So one afternoon, as I’m walking to McCarren Park, I ask Him:
“God, what do I do next? I’ve given up all these things for you. What else should I do?”
“Oh and before you tell me” I add, raising a finger “Can you speak to me like last time? That way I’ll know it’s your voice and not mine.”
And well, that day God did answer me, just not in the way I expected.
Because see, as I’m ing by the tennis courts, I hear these words echoing from the sky:
“JESUS! JESUS! JESUS!”
I’m taken aback.
“Whoa… is that you, God? Your voice sounds, uh… a little different than last time. Kind of more … feminine.”
And then …
I hear His name again. But this time, it’s louder and it seems to be coming from somewhere to my right.
So I follow the voice back to its origin.
And when I get there … I’m met with an interesting sight.
I see:
A crowd of young folks.
A priest.
A stage.
And on that stage is a woman singing from the top of her lungs: “JESUS! JESUS! JESUS!”
Oh. I smile.
Well that explains the voice I heard lol 🙂
Anyway.
I stick around for a bit.
And I kinda like the music.
I’m staring at the lady singing and that’s when … this big white hand extends out in front of me.
I look to my right to see who’s trying to greet me … and it’s Alen, a missionary who served here at Shalom!
Of course, I didn’t know who he was at the time.
But he welcomes me with such a big smile and warmth, it’s hard not to smile back.
So I stay.
And we start talking.
And in the end, he says:
“Brother, so tomorrow we’ll have mass here at Shalom. I’d like to invite you. Will you come?”
And in that moment, I’m tempted to say: “Yeah sure I’ll come” and then never actually come.
After all, I haven’t been to church for over ten years, so why start now?
But I don’t.
I don’t say that.
I don’t lie to his face.
Because in my heart-to-heart, I feel his invitation isn’t any invitation. It’s an invitation from God Himself! God had guided me to Shalom. God had me take a detour from my usual walking path to receive an invitation directly from Him. I had asked Him what should I do next and He answered:
“ Me and My children in My home.”
And well … for almost a year now, that’s what I’ve done (well mostly).
I’ve been coming to God’s house on Sundays and sometimes Saturdays.
And I’ve been grateful for every chance.
Because see … His home has been my shield.
A shield against the temptations of the world.
A shield against the destructive beliefs and ideas surrounding us.
There are just so many paths out there that lead you to hell. But only one that leads you to God. And I believe that thanks to God and the beautiful people here at Shalom, I am on the right path. And if you are here, so are you. Thank you. All glory goes to God.
Learn more about the Halleluya Block Party taking place in Williamsburg on May 31st from 4 PM to 11 PM at Bankers Anchor Plaza, 11222. More information reach out to us at: [email protected]
