The need for salvation and the importance of living a Christian life did not occur to me until my best friend Louis King was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Like most people in crisis situations, God and prayer suddenly became an instant priority to my life. Although I had been introduced to the concept of God by way of my parents and grandparents, and had even made a profession of faith in my formative years, my lifestyle seldom reflected it. I did not realize it then, but it is now obvious to me that my previous declaration was not done out of a sincere recognition of my sin before God, but due to the fact that I did not want to go to hell.

As the cancer began to run its course throughout Louis' body, my optimism faded and the possibility of his death weighed heavily on my heart. During this period I began to read the scriptures more frequently and attentively considering my own appointment with death and eternity. Then one day as I was reading Proverbs 14:12 which says, "there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death," it immediately occurred to me that I was on the wrong path. Later that night, I received the Lord into my heart and my life has never been the same.

Although Louis died four months later, I feel privileged to have been used as a vessel by God in leading him to the Lord before his demise.

Today my life is a sequence of tests and trials divinely designed to produce in me the fruits of the Spirit--godly qualities that I so desperately need and desire. Indeed the more I learn about the holiness of God in contrast to my own total depravity, the more I am baffled by God's selection of me. His grace continues to give me what I don't deserve while His mercy holds back what I do deserve. Nevertheless, His love has lead me to repentance and freed me from both the judgement and penalty of sin's imprisonment. Moreover, as God continues to bestow His grace upon me, I am compelled to serve Him and others forevermore.