Through my life, I had known about Jesus and God, but not so much about the Holy Spirit. I only knew of the Holy Spirit because I would say it while doing the sign of the cross. Years went by and I had got my 1st communion. I was raised Catholic and I knew a lot of prayers and versus, but had forgotten them over the years as I wasn’t so strong in my walk anymore. I would still pray through most of my days though and would ask God for help in a lot of scenarios. Just didn’t know the full meaning of God at this point.
Growing up i was raised by a single mother and my grandparents. I noticed that through end of middle school and through high school, that I was trying to fill a void by doing all kinds of things. Trying to fulfill something I didn’t even realize till later in life. But this consisted of doing drugs, hanging with the wrong crowd, and going out to parties. Freshman year through junior year I was constantly smoking and trying to get some type of high. I thank God for my personality though because I was always doing other things with friends that were positive and Aligned with Gods will and I always felt Gods presence with me through all kinds of events and moments in life. Just didn’t know it was Him at the time. It’s even more exciting to know that He had been watching me the whole time and teaching me the whole time. I also thank God that I was in band/drum line, because that was a huge way of keeping me on my toes about being positive, respectful, and responsible as much as possible. And also not trying to build a bad reputation for myself. Overall I noticed the difference but didn’t mind it because I was having fun. I also noticed I would always think and dwell on situations before I made my decision. Today, I feel like that was so very wise, but yet I still made the wrong decision sometimes (which I probably didn’t because it is part of my testimony and has built me to be the person I am today). Also, I had noticed so many times that God was trying to reveal himself to me. During the hard times and during the good times. I would always walk away from the opportunity of people asking me to go to church, or a retreat, or some bible study or event. I was a insecure and shy kid back then, so I didn’t make big steps of faith towards God like that back then, until one day.
Recently in 2018 at the end of April, I had heard the gospel Jack Johnson explained so thoroughly to me that all I wanted to do was give my life to God and try it out and leave the old self behind me. Especially because I was so tired of coming up with the same result all the time. It felt like a constant cycle, and I knew it wouldn’t change unless I made a change. I then accepted Christ into my heart wholeheartedly and all by my decision! I instantly felt the lord’s presence and I even started speaking/praying in tongues that very moment. It was an awesome experience with God! I then got baptized my second time on March 1st at Jacks's father's house, Darius Johnson. After that moment, I was constantly getting plugged in and being encouraged by their family. Jack Johnson had then disciplined me and my best friend Phillip. Their ministry has assisted and helped/guided me through the walk-in ways I would have never imagined. Giving me a place to go and pray and overall be myself. The love and wisdom that God is spreading through them is amazing. Even the worship nights they had for everyone to join were amazing.
To this day, I’m so very grateful that I had made the decision to accept the opportunity of revelation from God Himself, in a way that makes me feel accepted and loved. Especially by many others such as Darius and his family and the ministry they have. I have gained so much from them and I sometimes feel like it was all a dream. But it’s not. It’s real and it’s pure love!! God has moved me in ways to show my faith and love to others as I go through every day spreading and accepting His love. I will never let go of Jesus, even when sometimes I feel like I do. He will always be there for me to help me up and guide me to become a child of God that he intended me to be!
Every day, I am praying and asking God to use me. That I can be a vessel for Him and that I can help/love everyone. And if there is anyone in particular, I am totally down to help them out. It is a process though and a huge thing for me. Because I want to be confident enough to speak to anyone and everyone and tell them about God, and share my testimony! God is definitely shaping and molding me to this person. I have gained so much confidence all around and I’m definitely not the same person I used to be. It’s insane how much God has changed me and my thinking process through the wisdom He has given me. I now pray that my life is aligned with Gods will and that the steps of faith that I am taking are through Him first and that I seek for Him more. Reading the Bible and having that self discipline is very tough for me. But I know that when I decide to accept the opportunity, God will take me places I never thought I would go.
-Damian