Born and bred in a pastor’s house, my father would hold a morning and evening family devotion almost every day. We had to sing from the hymnal and read a devotional (Abincin Yini, i.e., Food for the Day). My father intended to introduce me and my siblings to God through Jesus Christ and to a life of godliness. He knew that his responsibility was to save me from destruction due to my inherent sin. He knew that I was a sinner, living a life of sin, and desperately needed a Savior. He knew that there was no way I could help myself because sin blinded me. He knew that I was not good because Scripture says, “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3:12). He knew that my ways and decisions would always lead me to destruction because he knows that Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.” My father wanted me to be convicted of my sin and enjoy fellowship with Jesus Christ and God the Father through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

The good news is that my father’s labor of sharing Christ with me was not in vain because I responded to his message of the gospel of Jesus Christ in obedience. My blinded eyes opened. I realized that Jesus called me to obedience, and I obeyed. Not only that, but He also invited me to His open arms for fellowship. I accepted the invitation and ran to my Lord and Savior’s warm, embracing, sweet-loving arms. I repent of my sin to enjoy Christ and have a right standing (righteousness) with God. Today, God looks at me and sees His righteousness because “He (Jesus) who knew no sin became sin for me (us) so that I would become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” (2 Cor. 5:21). Praise the Lord! I am and will enjoy fellowship with God forever (Revelation 7:9–10; 20:1–5; 22:5). “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). Jesus is also calling sinners to the life of obedience, fellowship, and repentance. Revelation 3:20 (CSB): He says, “See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me.” Beloved! Jesus is calling you now. Would you respond in obedience, respond to His invitation to reach the nations in the Norfolk area with the ever-changing gospel of Christ?