Dawning of New Life in Christ
My name is Marhandran, I come from a Hindu background. A rebel in my youth, I was involved in violence and was addicted to alcohol, as well as other substances. My bad habits improved slightly over the years but I was still the same person, full of anger, hatred, and unforgiveness.
Along the way, I met my wife who was a Roman Catholic. We got married in a church and were soon blessed with two boys. I went to church with my family on occasional Sundays but my old challenges, bad habits, and attitude remained.
Things began to change after my family and I began attending Calvary Church about five years ago. We are more attentive to the services, especially for the sake of the children. Unfortunately, this connection with the church was lost during the Movement Control Order when I started drifting away.
Everything happens for a reason; wait for the right time.
Throughout this time, I still faced a lot of problems with my family, and at work as well. A turning point came when I questioned God, "Why is all this happening to me?" When a voice responded, "Everything happens for a reason; wait for the right time." At first, I thought I was going through mental issues as I was now hearing voices!
I continue living my life in misery, denying my family's happiness and peace. Despite the struggles, I began attending My Faith classes in August last year as I wanted to be baptised in water and be a member of Calvary Church.
One morning, I could not sleep and cried out to Jesus as I was so heartbroken. I'd hurt my family a day before and was truly regretful of my actions. I told God, "I am done with this life." I gave up as I did not wish to live in this world anymore and continue to hurt and burden my family.
Without realising, I was weeping and had started to speak in tougues (my first time). I was not sure of what was happening around me at that point but I felt God by my side, comforting me in my most painful moments, and at the same time receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
God has done the impossible - I am now able to forgive and forget, as well as let go of unwanted hatred.
Since that morning, I am changed person. God has done the impossible - I am now able to forgive and forget, as well as to let go of unwanted hatred. I was water-baptised last week along with my family and we are going all out to serve in various church ministries and wherever the Lord may lead us.
All praise and glory to God! He has assured me that old things have passed away and He will never leave nor forsake me.
