My brother (who was known as “mad dog”) was healed on the spot.

I am 59 years old and I have been a Christian since 1982. Since a child I was brought up to be God conscious, as our family was very involved in the local Methodist church and I went to a school run by that church too. As such we went to chapel every school morning for prayers and school assembly.

I was brought up to be God conscious

At 13 I was confirmed in that church and the local bishop came and laid his hands on me (and the other dozen others being confirmed that day) and told me that I had received the Holy Spirit and that now I could take communion as a full church member. I was led to believe that confirmation was a big deal and that I was expecting something, however, I didn't know what exactly. I was disappointed as my life didn't change, God still didn't answer my prayers and, frankly, I felt as if He couldn't even hear my prayers.

I felt as if He (God) couldn’t even hear my prayers

Years later, after going my own way (I didn't go to church once I obtained my driver's licence, and became independent of my family for transport.) When I was about 26 my older brother was working on a gardening project and his arm was seriously injured by a misplaced rock. The owner of the property offered to pray for him, as the owner told my brother, "my God answers!" Well, He did! My brother was healed, on the spot. Then my brother had been into everything since he was 18, so much so that my friends "christened" him "mad dog."

My brother (who was known as “mad dog”)

was healed, on the spot

After my brother joined the (then) Melbourne Revival Centre (MRC), he had real friends, and they were doing real things together. They enjoyed a busy, fulfilling life without drink, drugs and immorality. They really had fun and went to meetings, weekend camps, put on plays, musical shows and generally were so busy and happy that I marvelled at the transformation in his life, from a loner to a happily married member of a very active and positive fellowship. I compared his new life to my empty limited life of pub-crawls and motorbike bush bashing. However, my brother frequently invited me to Church activities but I was "happy" being in a rut and with my meaninglessly mundane existence. The only thing my brother told me that I really recalled was that God would give me a new start.

My brother told me God would give me a new start

Eventually I needed that new start. I thought an overseas trip was what I really required; to get out and see the world. I booked a 3-month odyssey around Western Europe. I discovered that on the various package tours I embarked upon there were so many other people just like myself, looking for SOMETHING. Something permanent and fulfilling. However, I am getting ahead of myself.

Overnight my mother became a happy and outgoing person

after being dour and depressed

Just before I left on the journey, my mother joined the MRC. Overnight she became a happy and outgoing person after being dour and depressed. I realized that this Church was the way to go, for that new start, not the holiday. The Sunday before I was due to embark I was baptized by full immersion in water for the remission of my sins. I felt good, that I had done something right and that feeling lasted. However, I had already booked and paid up my trip so I went ahead and found during my travels others like myself, seeking after what was missing in their lives.

I realised that this church was the way to go

When I returned I shared my experiences with my old friends and work mates and they were happy for me that I had had a great time. I knew, however, that I really had to give God a fair go and really seek for the Holy Spirit as, my brother and Mum kept telling me, I had to receive. I went to a House Meeting and there the House Leader the future (now Late) Pastor Nankivell came over to pray with me to receive the Holy Spirit, but he just praised The Lord as he found me already speaking in Other Tongues, so he went to pray with another person. I had thought the voice I heard was another person next to me, but it WAS me speaking in this strange unearthly language. Great! I instantly knew that God had accepted me, that I had a future with Him and the Bible actually was true! True! It was all-true. God had confirmed it, with the signs following.

I instantly knew that God had accepted me

All this happened when I was 32 and now nearly 30 years later I am still rejoicing, praying and telling others how they too can have the peace, joy, contentment and surety for the future that only knowing God and being known of Him can bring.

Your old life is death, abandon it and take up the new life that God promises and actually delivers.

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