The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

WHETHER it was their struggles, triumphs or trials, a number of Christian Bahamians said the choice to become closer to God was one they will never regret.

Even under her unfortunate circumstances about 5 years ago, Pentecostal follower Tara Neely* told Tribune Religion she found her strength. She was at a point where she needed a change and that change was God. She said since that time, she never looked back.

Sharing her story, Ms Neely said: "At the time, I had just given birth to my second daughter and not too long after, her father told me he was not into being with me and my child anymore. He left me for someone else. I was not working and my mom and I also had a falling out to the point where we weren't on speaking terms."

After finding herself holding a knife to the throat of her child's father, she said she was at her breaking point and needed to change her lifestyle.

"I decided to reach out to my mother, she in turn, invited me to church. I didn't go the first two times but when I did go, I was sitting in church and the bishop called me up. If I can remember correctly, he told me, 'God said if you serve him, things will be better. You can do better'," said Ms Neely.

Never thinking twice about making the change, she said her life made a turn for the better. "I am doing very well, happily married and I am living for God and my family," she said.

For Carlene Dean*, a follower of the Resurrection Catholic Church, it was hearing the story of the rapture that made her change her entire outlook on life.

Explaining in detail, Ms Dean said: "The rapture is when Christians get caught up with Christ. It is when the end times are approaching, or the end of the world as some people call it. When that time comes, all true Christian believers who are saved and alive, will be taken into heaven by God."

She said the story of the rapture helped her become aware of the way she was living her life. "I was ready to get closer to my God, and I must say, what a mighty God we serve. I was just tired of living the same old life. The world didn't have anything more for me."

Epiphany Anglican Church member Kristina Kemp* said even though she was encountering hard times, her victory of finding her dream job, brought her closer to Christ.

"When I tell you I was down to nothing, I really was. I had just finished school and I was out of work for almost two years. I was in and out of interviews and sending my resume. I had given up but it was the lord that kept and held me every step of the way," said Ms Kemp.

One day, two years ago, Kristina said she took some time out to help a friend on the job. And to her surprise, the little work she had done to help that day, was recognised by the manager.

Before she knew it, she was being asked to send in a resume and come in for an interview.

"I came two weeks after and ever since I have been working at that establishment. Now I can proudly say I am an assistant manager. Little old me grew from nothing to something."

Ms Kemp said she would be wrong if she didn't thank God for her blessings.

"God is so powerful and I don't want anyone to think otherwise. God never let go of my had and up to this day. I will give him my praise, I will give him me. He helps you so you have to show him you love him. I will never turn my back on God. Every day I am blessed to open my eyes, the first person I must thank is God, he never fails me. When the flesh and humans fail you, God is forever there," said Ms Kemp.

It was three years ago when Church of God of Prophecy member Jackie Thompson* said she was ashamed of living in a house with a man out of wedlock.

" I know my parents did not raise me to live like that and it was hurting me, I just had to get out of that situation. Both my parents are Christians," she said.

Coming to the point where she felt like nothing was working out for her, she said she had to try something else, so she tried Christ.

"The minute I called my father for help, he came right away. I moved to Florida and found a church over in the area where I lived and I accepted Christ. Ever since that time, I never once thought about turning back," said Ms Thompson.

Name have been changed*