Submitted by V. Destin, Jan 20, 2008 07:57

In 1980 my hairdresser introduced me to the teachings of Rev. Ike. I attended his church, but thought he was too flamboyant to be a pastor. I kept going off and on to his church, then I finally stopped altogether in 1985. Around 2003, I had a strong desire to once again to attend his church. This time my focus was on his message. I told my hairdresser that his messge had certainly changed. She just looked at me and laughed and told me to keep coming to church. After a while I realized Rev. Ike's message has always been the same, I was now listening to him with a renewed mind. I started taking notes during his service, bought his tapes and for the first time learned the power of scripture prayer.

His teachings has been such an asset, that the renewing of my mind certainly has changed the way I view life and those around me. My relationship with God is now stronger and I learned to understand the importance of not "praying the problem" but "pray the solution." To cease from praying, my scripture prayers are on index cards that I carry with me to keep me focused in prayer. When I am on the bus, I read my prayers from my index cards.

I have worshiped with in churhes, and I have painfully learned the the difference between "11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. church people" and "Christians". If God had not renewed my mind, I probably would be a "church person," but giving all thanks and honor to God I am in the process of becoming a Christian. I love and respect myself more, as well as those around me and those that I meet. I have learned to create a spiritual vessel that houses God's presence. I had been out of church for approximately 35 years before I learned to let God have his way with me. I can go on and on.

All thanks to God, Rev. Ike and the Christians that have been uplifting to me.

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