My Story
God’s plan started to unfold the day my classmate and I met Elder Saunders at a gas station. Elder Saunders did not know either one of us, but he extended the invitation for us to attend his church. While we accepted his business card, neither of us attended service that evening. Sometime later, I was hanging out at my cousin’s house. That particular night, my cousin was preparing to go to the skating rink and said it was ok for me to attend, but I had to ask Uncle Rufus first. When Uncle Rufus arrived, I realized he was Elder Saunders. Uncle Rufus waited until we were on our way to the skating rink to disclose this was a ministry-based trip and if I was going to be joining them for different events, I needed to start attending church. I was so bored and felt like I had nothing else to lose and quickly accepted Elder Saunders’ terms.
It did not take long before I was weaved into family events in and out of the church. My interest in the Bible began very slowly. It took months before I became deeply intrigued by the Bible and started reading it for a better understanding. As my interest grew, I attended the adult’s Bible study desperately seeking answers, clarification, and insight. Pastor Maude Saunders (Elder Saunders’ wife) raised me in the gospel. She taught me how to understand the Bible, walk in the spirit, and spiritually brush my teeth so I can avoid having a “TRUTH ACHE”. Despite my desire to know and grow in the gospel, I was reluctant to respond to altar calls. Eventually, I could no longer ignore God’s nudges and responded to an altar call. It was a scary moment and I was very shy at that time. No one was moving and I did not want to be the only person standing before the congregation. The Spirit of God moved and the next thing I know, my feet moved. I went before the congregation to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior! I elevated my hands in submission to God, confessed my sins, and asked Jesus to come into my life! The entire congregation stood and applauded, I suspect they knew I needed Jesus more than I did. What I know today is they were all celebrating that another soul was added to the Kingdom of God.
When I went back to my seat, I was astounded by the decision I had just made and the decisions that still needed to be made. There were so many changes that I needed to make in order to alter the old patterns of my life. Accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior did not make all my sin evaporate instantly. I was still human! I still had issues but in the midst of my journey, I sustained a pang of hunger for more of God. I started delving into the Holy Spirit aspect of the Trinity.
Understanding that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God that teaches the truth, keeps me, directs, and shows me which way to go, and helps me to make better decisions. The Holy Spirit was essentially the help I needed to make those moral life choices that seemed overwhelming the day I gave my life to Christ.
Within a few months, I was going to church every single day of the week. I found a number of spiritual mentors that we’re able to teach the Word of God in a manner that edified anyone on the receiving end. Not only were these mentors able to teach the Word of God, but they were also able to demonstrate how to live out the Word of God. Sometimes I felt like I went to church more than God, but I could not satisfy my thirst for knowledge. My desire to be more Christ-like kept increasing. There were plenty of times when the preacher finished preaching or teaching and everyone would stand, giving thanks for the message, but I would be disturbed because I wanted more! During an altar call, Pastor Saunders prayed for me and gave me some words of encouragement. One of the things she said that stays with me today is, “Shawn, God told me to tell you that what you’re searching for is not in a building. What you are searching for is inside of you”. I wanted God to speak to me, but I did not recognize when He spoke. I was filled with the Holy Ghost and did not know it. Through an amazingly powerful experience, I was able to encounter the Holy Spirit, overpowering me in a way like I have never seen, read about, or heard of ever before! It was crazy!! I was so excited!! I literally felt like a different person.
Today I remain on fire for God. Mark 16:15 (NIV) says “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”. I spread the Word of God through conventional and non-conventional ways. I believe I am on assignment from God and that assignment is not confined to the House of the Lord. I continue to grow in my relationship with God, my Father. I am constantly seeking His direction, going where He shall have me go, doing what He shall have me do, and being who He shall have me be. I want to give a very special thanks to Pastor Saunders (R.I.P.) and everyone else who has poured into me and helped prepare me for such a time as this. My godfather, Apostle Frankie Lee Perry (Raleigh, NC.) has spiritually and physically held me up when I had no strength to stand on my own. I could never pay him back for all of the things that he has taught me. My godmother, Apostle Gabrielle Williams (Augusta, GA.) has been a very loving and powerful instrument in my life. She has poured herself into me and has given me revelations regarding the heart of the Father, God. Finally, I welcome, acknowledge, and glorify God for giving me a leader and spiritual father, Prophet Passion Java, who I have been learning so much and have been able to grow in the spirit much more since I’ve come under his ministry. He is completely an awesome and honorable man of God.
I pray that you found light and empowerment in my experience with God. Have an incredible day! Don’t forget to kick the Devil’s butt!
With best regards:
Shawn Yurina Richardson