When I was grown, my father had a small job working in Vijayawada so our family moved to a place called Arulnagar in Vijayawada. My parents sent me to a nearby school but I was never educated properly. As I lived in the world I used to have a thunder heart towards the beauty of the world. I turned into a rough and disorderly person in society and as the days passed I even became a thief. I used to rob car stereos and sell them in a secret market. I used to drink and smoke a lot. I led a big gang for several years. I became a wanted criminal on the police hit list. Many times I escaped from them but finally I was not able to escape from the Lord who is worthy to be praised.
One night I went to rob a home along with the gang I led. We had almost finished taking all the gold and money from the home but I met with an accident. I suffered for almost five months in bed - one month in the hospital and the remainder of time in my home. During those five months I felt ashamed of myself being in bed and was not able to do my regular things. I cried many times and I even contemplated suicide. My entire body was useless and I had many wounds. I felt this was a punishment for my sins. My friends left me and the gang never worried about me but my parents struggled to bring me back to health.
Early one morning there was a microphone sound in my street. Someone was speaking God’s word. They were telling people about a Gospel meeting in a nearby house. I became interested to go there and hear the word of God but was not able to walk. So the next day I was listening to the loud speaker and someone was again preaching the word of God.
I still remember he was preaching on Matthew 4:23 how Jesus had healed many people and what our purpose was. So I realized God was talking to me at that very moment saying, “I too love you” and His love would comfort me too if I would dedicate my life to Him. That very day, after hearing the word of God, I for the very first time in my life, closed my eyes and asked Jesus “If you forgive me and heal me I will work for you.” I was fully confident that He was talking to me saying He would heal me. After a few days, my wounds started to dry very fast and within two weeks I was able to talk and do my work.
The other great battle in my life was that my parents never realized there was a God that loves us. Finally I gave my life to Jesus and I went for Bible training and came back with the Holy Spirit leading me with a mighty hand. I wanted to preach the gospel but didn’t know where. At that time I heard of Pastor Sundarlal. He was young and preaching in the rural areas of Vijayawada. I saw the spirit of the Lord on him and I realized God wanted me to talk to him so I asked him if I might work for the Lord alongside him.
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