A rebellious child finds joy in obeying God.

I didn’t respect my parents and resented doing the few house chores they gave me at home. I often left the house in time for school but instead of going to school, I went to the bush for a walk or hunted for iron to sell. When I saw the other students leaving for their homes at noon, I too would go home as if I was coming from school. Even when I did show up for class, I was not a good student and did not study my lessons. The school’s director often summoned my parents to a meeting because of my absences and the disrespect I showed toward my teachers. My parents punished me, but I continued doing my own activities.

One day, my dad talked to our church’s Bible teacher about my bad behavior and asked him for advice. Not long after, the Bible teacher called and asked me some questions. He gave me a Bible study about people who did not respect the Word of God and shared what happened to them as consequences for their disobedience. As I listened to him talk about the doctrine of hell, it scared me. He also told me that those who disrespected their parents would be punished by God. After talking with him I felt afraid and decided to change my behavior to please my mother and father—and because I wanted to avoid eternal punishment.

My life started to change when a Seventh-day Adventist Bible worker in the community helped me gain a new perspective. He told me that I shouldn’t be trying to obey God out of fear, and that what I needed was the right motivation to obey God’s law. His advice intrigued me and I thought about his words for a few days before deciding to start Bible studies with him. Each lesson seemed to speak directly to my soul. For the first time in my life I wanted to do the right thing and found that it brought me peace and happiness. I saw that God was my true Father in heaven and if I could learn to love Him with my whole heart then I would love and respect my earthly father as well. Every study brought me closer to God and instructed me in the way of righteousness and joy.

As I grew spiritually, my behavior changed. In time, I was baptized. God healed my relationship with my parents and gave me victory over thievery. I even started learning my lessons at school and told my friends about Jesus! I praise Him for the changes that He has made in my life and for the joy I have today.  

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Location
Togo

Author
Told by Brother David to Agamah Balakibawi, a district pastor in the Kara region.

How You Can Help
Pray for David to remain faithful to his calling and to witness of his new faith in Christ.

Donate to the evangelistic work in Togo by sending your gift marked “Togo Evangelism” to:

Mission Projects International 
PO Box 151 
Inchelium, WA 99138

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Thank you. Your gifts sustain eight full-time Bible workers who are bringing God’s last warning to Togo. Thank you so much for your support of these workers!