I have been asked to give my testimony in a church in Chitose this Sunday. I have never really given my testimony to a group of people before so I find the prospect quite daunting.
I began typing up my testimony this morning. The version I began typing is what I tell most people when asked how I became a Christian; that I believed in God from a young age but when I was 14 I was attending a youth event at 1st Saintfield. At that event (the Star Wars one, for those who know Saintfield) I felt as if God was telling me there was more to being a Christian than I currently understood. On that night I consider that I moved from simply having a faith to owning my faith.
This is a true and accurate account of how I 'became a Christian', but (often for brevity's sake) it is lacking in some details, and one in particular which I've never shared with anyone before. Whilst I was typing I felt as if God was prompting me to share some of these additional things with the people in church on Sunday. This terrifies me, but the testimony I have typed up at the moment includes these details. I am stepping out in faith on this one.
I am worried though that I will become too scared to speak or that I will begin crying (that I was such a damaged person and God saved me so completely). So please pray for me. That I will have the courage to speak bravely and clearly about the great work Jesus has done in my life. Please pray my testimony will be glorifying to God, that it will be a good witness and that it might be of some encouragement to the people who hear it.
Thank you.
Hi Rosslyn,
ReplyDeleteJapanese people, especially women, often cry when sharing something personal, so those listening won't be shocked if you do cry. I know you don't want to, but if you do, it will probably actually communicate more than your words. Being open about your own personal struggles or difficulties and how God helped you through them is something people will relate to much more than just giving them the facts of how you became a Christian. Praying for God's ongoing guidance as you prepare.