Testimonies of lives changed
2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIVUK)
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
My life as a Christian with autism
My name is Cherith. I had a nice childhood. I had fun out in the park when I was younger. I was brought up in a Christian family. I attended 110 Christian Assembly since I was younger. I heard bible stories. One day when I was five years old I prayed and asked Jesus to come into my life to save me from my sins and to forgive them. I believe that Jesus came to save sinners such as me and that he is God’s Son.
I went to Taney school when I was four years old. I studied English, Maths, Geography, History, Physical Education, French and other subjects. I liked school, I made some friends who were in my school. I had a lot of fun with them. I remember being sad when I was leaving primary school.
When I was thirteen I attended the High school. I had received a good education in Primary school. I studied English, Mathematics, History, Home Economics, business, Geography and Science. The last two I dropped before doing my Junior Certificate. I believe the reason I struggled in school was because I had Asperger Syndrome and I learnt things differently. I liked school because people there were very supportive. I found it very easy since my sister was there and she would let me hang around with her friends. I went to Christian union later on in school, and I thought about what it was like being different from people who didn’t know God. I was happy with what I studied for Leaving Certificate.
I had a good summer that year following my exams. I went to Romania to volunteer for 10 days and I loved the people there, liked painting and gardening. I got tired sometimes but I loved it. I went to United Beach missions when I was 18 in Tramore with my sister and friend where we told people about God and Jesus. The bible was being looked at and explored the Bible. We were asked about our beliefs. I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when younger. Asperger Syndrome is on the autistic spectrum. I learn differently, have a keen interest in maths and like routine. I think literally.
I remember when I was 17 one of my family members mentioned there was a baptism coming up. I got baptised that year. I remember being very happy that day. I am glad I took the next step of obedience to God. I remember on camps, I had good times with kind people.
I was very glad with passing all of my subjects in school. I had a lot coming up. God blessed me and is with me and he is always faithful. I want to obey him all the time.
God was faithful even when I attending Tuiscint I learned communication and tech. I stopped going to church regularly. When in never disappointed, since the messages there always made me think a lot, people are very kind. I don’t know if not going regularly was due to remembering what wasn’t easy or frustration. It may also have been because of the fact that I was thinking of doing things I thought my parents are against. Stopped going for wrong reasons. I did other things that I don’t think I believe I would have done. It was hard having insecurities. Saw bad stuff, had good times.
One summer I remember I still had my bible, though I was reading a devotional and I prayed to God. I read my bible too. I heard people talk about sin I knew I’d sinned. I started coming back regularly to 110 Assembly. God was blessing me and I started reading my bible regularly. He has made me think prayers to pray for, has blessed me when I pray. I have made a lot of decisions I plan to keep, and to obey him. I am happy to have brothers and sisters in this church to encourage me. I am thankful for loving, caring friends. I want to obey God.
Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Psalm 119:46
I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
NIV translation
Psalm 149:1
"God heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds." (NIV)