I became saved over 27 years ago. I didn’t grow up in a church home. My few experiences in church were rare. My mom sent us to church when we were children on holidays, mainly Easter.
My life prior to my conversion was very depressing. I often had thoughts of suicide because of the environment in which I lived. Four of the five of my brothers all did time in prison (one served 5 years, one 17 years, one is currently serving a life sentence, and one of my brothers was murdered at age 16). They were caught up in the drug lifestyle. I was arrested at age 18 for shoplifting. We lived surrounded by drugs, murder, fighting, sexual sin and every other sin. It was a depressing life to be caught up in. Of course my hands were not clean; I played my role as well.
When I was about 19 or 20 years of age, I worked with a young lady who was always happy. I mean happy to the point that I was jealous and envious at the same time. I thought no one could be that happy. Sometime later we were all working on the same assembly line and she began talking about Jesus. When she talked about Jesus my dead world lit up. I wanted what she had.
One night while at work, I went outside and looked up to the heavens and told Jesus I wanted Him and wanted to be happy like that young lady. Through this young lady ministering to us on that assembly line, there were about five of us who came to Christ. I later went to her church and made my public confession. This young lady was the matron of honor when I got married and to this day is a very good friend. My life has never been the same since.
Minister Delores H. Penn
