User talk:Mariyoshj

Hi friends,

I was born in an Orthodox Religious family. My childhood was not happy. Because there were lot of tensions in our family. Misunderstandings. So I had no faith in God. I argued, if there is no one to love me then there can be no God. I grew up in such an environment. I was fed up with life. I had no hope. My heart was longing for love. I wanted someone who could listen to me.

I felt that I was surrounded by darkness. As if I was in a deep pit hole. And there was no one who could save me. There was no peace or joy in my life.

I was a loner. I could not make any friends.

As a teenager, fed up with life I wanted to end my life. I wanted to commit suicide. I thought that I am of no help to anyone. Either to my family or to this world.

During that time a friend of mine took me to a prayer meeting. He said that there is a person who loves me, understands me and cares for me. I was really surprised to know about that. He introduced Jesus Christ in my life.

I gave my life to Him in a youth prayer meeting. I was touched by His life. He took sufferings on Him to make me free. He was beaten to heal me and make me whole. He loves me unconditionally. He became a slave to make me free. He freed me from sin, from loneliness. He gave me hope.

I started to shared this new found life and hope in Jesus Christ with my classmates and friends. Along with my mentor Bro. John Rozario (Roche) and my close friends Antony & Antony Prabhu, I went to share this Good News in slums, villages, etc. Though I was actively involved in ministry, I was not satisfied.

I had committed my life to do the will of God alone in my life. I grew in my spiritual life through the regular reading & meditation of the Bible and through prayer and fellowship. I enjoyed this relationship with God. He started to guide my life. Though I was weak in certain areas, His grace was sufficient for me and it carried me through. My life was filled with joy and happiness. And peace that passes all understanding.

I was very much burdened for those who have never heard about Jesus Christ in their life time. During those times I read lots of books and that too helped me to grow.