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Hi My name is Lloyd. I'm 19 and I work for the Salvation Army as a graphic designer. My parents are ministers in the Salvation Army. When I was a child I remember making a commitment to God at some big Christian event but never really thought much about what i'd done as time went on, the space between God and I grew. Then when I was 11 I started secondary school with features only a mother could love. I was overweight spotty and had braces so I was no casanova with the girls either. As time went on I became the butt of a lot of jokes and abuse. Eventually it got to the point were the pain was so much I became numb when being beaten. Every day was the beginning of a nightmare. I was being abused by everyone at school, even the teachers. It was hard to understand that if there was a God, where was he? it's hard to believe when you're bleeding from everywhere on your body and the whole time you have to keep quiet. I wanted to tell my family, but I was a failure and I did'nt want them to see that part of me. I wa s constently afraid and could find no way out. Then I started taking drugs, drinking and smoking. What started as every now and then became an addiction. I had been taken over. Then, I looked at myself, my life and my acheivments and realised I was nothing. I tried to end my life 4 times in 2 years but couldn't even do that right. I could'nt see any way that there could be a God. In the Easter of 97, playing Rugby I shaterred my left forearm so bad that it had to be reconstructed with titanium rods and plates. The process was painful and the cast became tedious. Then after having the last cast taken off I went along with a friend to Roots97(A Salvation Army Annual event) not expexting much seeing as i couldn't move my arm in any way from the pain. During the saturday night event a lot of things had been said that hit home. I decided to try and pray. I told God that if he showed himself to me in someway, gave me proof then I would leave the past behind, leave the drugs, the abuse and all that had been and start anew. In that moment my body was overcome by the biggest sense of heat and peace then i moved my arm to realise that i had no pain and full movement. God was real, God was ali ve what had i done with my life? what am I going to do with my life? the air was cleaner, food tasted better, everything became beautiful and amazing. for the next year I fought my addictions. Because of what I did in my childhood I cannot remeber 2 years. the memories i have of the abuse still hurt but i've got help this time round. I'm now a swan not the ugly duckling I was. I have also become one of the youth pastors at my church and try and involve myself with youth activities as much as possible. The bible tells my story best with the words ' I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' satan had control of me but the chains were broken by my one true friend ... Jesus. my life is a mission, my heart is a home for the saviour with thanks to God Love and prayers Lloyd Kinsley Click HERE to return to the edited story Click HERE to create a banner that links to this story! Your e-mail address will be kept private!
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These testimonies are not intended to provide |
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