This is my testimony

---

Born prematurely at seven months, following a devastating car accident that my mother endured while five months pregnant with me. —Declared dead after suffering a seizure, I was revived hours later from the morgue table. I was around 6 years old.—Started going to school at nine, bullied for the shape of my head, nose or the tone of my skin. It was painful. —Domestic abuse indoors and political chaos outdoors, —Would there be any hope?—Between anger and fear, I grew up indoctrinated by catholic teachings that left me spiritually confused between what I was living and what I was taught. Never wanted to step foot in a catholic church once I attended college.

Dropped out of college twice, between overthinking and skepticism, I never stopped questioning the fairness of God and the cruelty of humanity. —Self-righteousness seemed the only viable way forward, yet life’s struggles only grew heavier as my ego held me captive.—Kidnapping and assassination attempts left me grappling with the fragility of life and made me wonder. There is one that could truly relate—the son of God, Jesus-Christ. He knew it all because He understood the consequences of the free will of men —when disconnected from God.

Elevating the name God was the turning point that would reconnect and sustain me in Him. By referring to the Old Testament, I learned about the flawed ways of men when acting out of their own will. Through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, I discovered God is just, compassionate, and restorative. God’s Word has the power unlike any other—the power to forgive, to heal, to restore, to love, to transform, and to give hope in oneself and humanity.

My name is Johnson, and I am from Haiti. I’m married, with two wonderful daughters, and I live with my family in Rochester, New York, where we attend Crosstown Alliance Church. Today, I wanted to share my testimony in hopes that others—whether new to faith or seasoned believers—will see the extraordinary ways God works to transform lives like myself.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse captures the essence of my story. Through Christ, I found new life—freedom from sin’s bondage and a renewed spirit of hope and purpose.

My journey began in 1999 when a classmate invited me to a Bible study focused on the book of Romans. It was my first encounter with salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and the concept of being born again through His death and resurrection. Coming from a Catholic background and a dysfunctional household, I was ignorant of God’s plan for me and humanity. Indifferent from both Catholicism and Protestantism, I distanced myself from religion altogether, relying on my intellect and logic rather than God’s wisdom.

By 2001, during my college years, I walked away from the Catholic Church, quite disconnected from anything spiritual. Haunted by the trauma my mother endured—religious beliefs seemingly compounding her pain—I rationalized my way through life, unable to connect and sustain in the presence of God and the pursuit of faith.

After being convinced by the word of God from a revival in Miami, Florida, I decided to be baptized at The Riverview of Life Church in Tampa, Florida. It felt like a spiritual awakening, and I started reading the Bible earnestly. Yet struggles persisted, and depression deepened slowly, professional and marital challenges arise. Betrayal, lies, deception, depression, hate, anger, pain, withdrawal from life—Should I forfeit? And who could relate?

Years later, in 2023–2024, yearning for closure to my long and painful journey, God directed my path to a Christ-centered church where I I could connect, grow, and serve. God guided me to Crosstown Alliance Church. There, while attending a small group discussion on the sacrifice of Christ, I felt convicted of my need for His forgiveness. Galatians 6:2—“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ”—taught me the importance of surrendering to God and leaning into His grace

Through prayer, study, and fellowship, I came to understand God’s love and forgiveness in ways that transformed my relationships with people. Reflecting on my relationship with my late father, I forgave him for past hurts—a testament to Christ’s forgiveness working in my heart. Mentorship and spiritual guidance brought me closer to God, and I discovered the restorative power of His presence.

Being part of a Christ-centered community allowed me to experience transformative healing and renewal. Romans 12:2 resonates deeply with me: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Now, I lead my family in daily devotions, prayers, and reflection on Scripture. My faith in Jesus Christ grows stronger every day and I find joy in sharing the Gospel of Christ with others.

I am fully convinced of the life, teachings, death, resurrection, and second coming of Jesus Christ. Through Him, I have found joy, peace, and purpose. My testimony is a testament to God’s grace and mercy, and I share it with the hope that others will see His transformative and restorative power. Whether you are cynical, skeptical, undecided, or hurt, know that Jesus is the answer. He offers renewal, redemption, and a path to wholeness for all who humble themselves before Him.

May all glory be to God!