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"I am a CCI student and have recently begun serving as a deacon at my church. I was born into a Christian family, but growing up in deep poverty led me down a very different path. Instead of trusting God to provide, I became involved with an armed militant group. We threatened wealthy people, robbed them, and attacked camps to steal supplies. I thought money and power would bring happiness, but sin brought only fear, guilt, and bondage. Every day, I wondered if it would be my last. God mercifully spared my life several times when death was only moments away.
My choices also devastated my family. I was separated from my wife for five years and missed watching my children grow. I carried the painful knowledge that I had failed as a husband, father, and follower of Christ. Then came the day that changed my life. I was alone in the jungle, hiding and waiting for another victim, when God spoke to my heart: 'Go back.' Those two words changed everything. I realized that I had traded eternal life for temporary gain. Overcome by the weight of my sin, I fell to my knees, wept, confessed my sins, and cried out to Jesus for mercy. In that lonely jungle, God's grace found me. The man who had lived by violence surrendered his life to the Prince of Peace.
I immediately left my old life and returned home. I expected my family to reject me because of the pain I had caused. Instead, God showed His love through them. I confessed everything to my wife and asked for her forgiveness. By God's grace, she forgave me, my children accepted me, and the Lord gave our family a new beginning.
Although my life had changed, I was ashamed to return to church because many people knew about my past. A few months before CCI Bible classes began at our church, I met the National Director. I shared my story with him. He listened with compassion, spoke with our pastor, and encouraged me to return. Through God's grace and the love of my church family, I was welcomed back.
When the CCI Bible classes began, I joined immediately. Week after week, God's Word strengthened my faith, helped me grow spiritually, and deepened my desire to serve Him. Recently, I was ordained as a deacon. Sometimes I ask, 'How could God use someone like me?' The answer is simple: His grace is greater than my past.
Only Jesus could transform a man who once spread fear and violence into a servant of His church. Today, my greatest desire is to know Christ, serve His people, and tell others that no one is beyond His saving grace. Please pray that I will remain humble and faithful, complete the CCI Bible training program, and glorify God through every part of my life. My life is living proof that Jesus Christ still transforms lives today."
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