My Testimony

By Shalabh Rastogi

            My name is Shalabh Rastogi.  Most people here know me as Yogi.  I’m very thankful to have attended this group, Life Above Reproach Discipleship Program.  My understanding of the Word has increased substantially.

            I’m very thankful to all the brothers here for teaching me and guiding me through the past several weeks.  I was able to laugh at corny jokes and cry my heart out when I needed someone to provide support.

            My journey following Christ continues and will be my vocation for the rest of my life.  I’m still young in my faith.  I struggle to hold on when the times are tough; but thanks to the support of my elders, I have been able to confront some attacks by our adversary.  I want to come back so that I can continue my education and stay in the Word, because I know I need it. 

            The story of my life revolves around forgiveness.  This is something that I have received in abundance but have not been able to give out that easily.  I wish I was better in this area because I would not be here otherwise.

            Anyhow, God pulled me up by my ears and has shown me what I had to learn.  I committed a crime against my own family, inflicting pain to no one else but my own kids.  It cannot get worse than this, but God forgave me.  Even my loved ones, whom I have hurt, have forgiven me.  This forgiveness brought me out of darkness and depression and into the light of Jesus Christ.

            I am forever grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ and I commit my remaining life to do what He wants me to do.  I’m still learning to let Him handle all my worries, and I know He is the only one who can handle it.  With each passing day, my faith becomes stronger.

            I want to tell you that if someone like me can be forgiven, then there is hope for everyone.  This hope is only available through the mighty grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless all of you.