ctmi christian testimonies» ctmi christian testimonies – Church Team Ministries International

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Marc

“I was clinically depressed, but today I’m healed and restored by the Lord”

I was saved in 1998, and the Lord put a genuine desire in my heart to serve Him, but eight years later my life was in a complete mess. Read more »

Posted: February 19th, 2010 under Youth.
Comments: 2

Rish

Rish “My time with CTMI in Mauritius has had a direct impact on my family too!”

I grew up with what can be called a silver spoon in my mouth. Everything I could ever have wished for was available to me: amazingly supportive and loving parents, beautiful home, private school education, and Read more »

Posted: February 12th, 2010 under Youth.
Comments: none

Olivier

ENGLISH

Olivier: “A career or the call of God?”

Paris, 2006: Having completed my master’s degree, I wait for the confirmation of my dream job: famous company, good wages, trips abroad and promotion every year. Yet, I am about to give it up. I receive a phone call from my future boss, telling me I am short listed for the job! But deep down, I know this job is not for me. I call him back and turn down the offer!

Later on, the Lord led me to Mauritius, where I took part in a training program that would mark my life. Today, I am married to a woman I adore, who has been my best friend since we were six years old. I run my own marketing consultancy that God blesses miraculously. I am so glad I obeyed the Lord. My parents have always supported me every step of the way, and in my walk with Jesus. Today, they are the first ones to rejoice for what Jesus has accomplished.

“I have seen my son seeking the Lord rather than the counsel of men for such important decisions for his life. I have never been able, or ever wanted, to oppose the will of God for him. At some point I even thought that he would not study at all, being so eager to serve the Lord. Of course, as a mother, I would have loved him to pursue a prosperous career, but I would much rather see him where he is today, than on a road that leads to perdition!

He is serving Jesus with the wife placed by his side by the Lord. He is happy in what he does. My wish is for him to persevere to the end in his Christian walk, to remain in fellowship with God, and with those who serve Him,” declares Françoise, his mother.

“A career or the call of God?”

Paris, 2006: Having completed my master’s degree, I wait for the confirmation of my dream job: famous company, good wages, trips abroad and a promotion every year. Yet, I am about to give it up. I receive a phone call from my future boss, telling me I am short listed for the job! But deep down, Read more »

Posted: December 28th, 2009 under Youth.
Comments: none

Magali

Magali: “Being a Christian starts at home!”

Since I allowed the gospel of the cross to work in me in a deeper way, the Lord has done miracles in my life. I know that my presence here is not by chance. This is part of the will of the Lord to change me in the very areas where I used to struggle so much. There is no need for me to look far to realise that!

Indeed, I’m somewhat of a lazy person, and I never managed to get involved in any housework, cooking, feeding myself properly, or helping around the home: these things never concerned me… It may not seem much at all, but today, the Lord has changed me, and it gets better every day! I thank the family hosting me for teaching me, with love and patience, the practical things of life. Although my parents tried to teach me to become more responsible, it is in Mauritius that I really became aware of such things. I am sorry that I was not a help to my parents in the home when I stayed with them. Since then, I have also learned to take care of the people around me, to be less self-centred; in fact to assume my responsibilities by taking up my cross and doing things with the right attitude. I believe that serving the Lord is also that: responding to the needs of others in the home, at work, and in church, in humility and with a pure heart. There is still a long road ahead, but these first changes in my life have so encouraged me.”

“Since my daughter has been in Mauritius, through our phone calls, I notice that her life has taken a new direction. She is a great support to us, and it blesses me to see this. She is more understanding, encourages us in a new way, and looks at herself differently from previously. She takes care of us; and today, she can accept being rebuked. What a great encouragement for us! We have become closer, in spite of distance. It’s wonderful for the whole family”, states Jacques, her father.“Being a Christian starts at home!”

“Being a Christian starts at home!”

Since I allowed the gospel of the cross to work in me in a deeper way, the Lord has Read more »

Posted: December 26th, 2009 under Youth.
Comments: none

Fabien

I am grateful to my parents for respecting my convictions.”

In December 2006, at the International Youth Camp in Mauritius, I felt the call of God in a very clear way. Afterwards, once I returned to my engineering job in France, I had the conviction I needed to go back to Mauritius. Yet, it was not an easy decision for me, as I loved my job, but I also wanted to serve the Lord in a deeper way and to have a part in the Kingdom advancing. My family comes from a traditional religious background, and my mother is very involved in this institution. At first, my parents asked me many questions about why I wanted to give up my job. I reassured them this was a personal conviction from God, and that it was to serve Him and to do so with other Christians in Mauritius for a period. Two years down the road, I have an excellent relationship with my family. In the last few months, my mother took an interest in the auditorium we have been building, and she even attended CTMI’s International Conference!

I am so grateful to my parents: not only did they respect my decision, but they have supported me financially, even though we do not share the same convictions about Jesus.

And, since I have been here, God has changed me. I have become much more open, and able to listen to others. In the past, I was very reserved and self-absorbed. Now, I no longer hesitate before expressing myself. I give thanks to the gospel of the cross for dealing with that kind of pride in me. I really feel at home and at peace at being here. I know one day I will return to France, but for the present, I want to make the most of the spiritual richness of the church and the CTMI family in this place.

“I am grateful to my parents for respecting my convictions.”

In December 2006, at the International Youth Camp in Mauritius Read more »

Posted: December 24th, 2009 under Youth.
Comments: none

Kevin

Kevin Shaw, 29

What a desperate attempt to try and paint CTMI and Grace Gospel Church in a poor light.

I was originally from Johannesburg, but for the past 3 years, I’ve been living and working in Mauritius. What a shock it was to me recently to read a totally fictitious article, which has been in circulation around South Africa. I first came into contact with the CTMI team after a pastor in Sandton who, hearing that I wanted to travel and be involved with a mission organisation, recommended I go and visit the church in Mauritius.

Six months after my arrival, being a qualified schoolteacher with 3 years experience, I was offered a job to teach in one of the local schools. I therefore stayed on, grateful to be able to remain with the local CTMI church. During all this time, I have never once felt under any pressure from church leaders to stay, or controlled to do anything against my will. I really wanted to stay here!

This year I got married and, contrary to the newspaper article, it was not only not arranged, nor was it a device or scheme used to try and trap any one into staying in the church. I got to know Valerie over the past 3 years, and it became a heartfelt conviction that this was the woman the Lord has set aside for me. I can only imagine that this is a desperate attempt to try and paint CTMI and Grace Gospel Church and its leadership in a poor light.

Something also ought to be said about the fact that each of the young adults mentioned in this article is old enough, and of a legal age to make his or her own life decisions. As for sacrifice, something should be mentioned as I think of C.T Studd, who gave up his cricket career to pursue a life of mission work, and led hundreds to the Lord; what about Florence Nightingale who turned her back on family wealth, spurning a life of ease, to take care of the sick and suffering? I believe that these young adults have sacrificed something in order to follow Jesus Christ, why should anyone attribute this to a man or a church?

Let me end by stating that everyone is welcome to come here and see for themselves!

What a desperate attempt to try and paint CTMI and Grace Gospel Church in a poor light.

I was originally from Johannesburg, but Read more »

Posted: December 8th, 2009 under Other.
Comments: none

Elzabe

Elzabe Potgieter

Elders have always encouraged me to continue my studies!

In 2007, the year I matriculated, the Lord turned my life completely upside down. From the age of 13, I had attended various churches on my own, but continued to find myself in an unending search for real Christianity. I so desired to live a life pleasing to the Lord, but found myself constantly under guilt, because I was unable to fulfil the laws and regulations preached in so many of the churches I attended. I could never understand why, unlike other members of these churches, I was not happy going to church. All I felt was condemned and confused. Finally, I began to lose hope in the Church.

As my final year began drawing to a close, I remained indecisive as to what I would study. My parents, being concerned about me, offered me the option of taking a gap year. It was not long after this time that the Lord, by His grace, did a miracle in my life. I can clearly remember the day that I stumbled into a Sunday meeting at Grace Gospel Church in Durban. Pastor Basil O’Connell-Jones preached the message of the cross, and I knew immediately that I was called to identify my life with Jesus Christ in his sufferings, his death, and his resurrection. During the weeks to follow I had the opportunity to meet Miki Hardy and Audrey Hardy, who were in South Africa for a conference. I was also able to meet many young people who were visiting from Mauritius. After hearing their testimonies, I made the decision to go to Mauritius. I really wanted to be with these zealous young people, who like me, had been touched by the Lord and wanted to surrender their lives to Him fully. I wasn’t disappointed, the Lord answered my prayer and I found myself surrounded by brothers and sisters on fire for the Lord. What grace!

Not long after arriving in Mauritius, I heard about the plans to build a new auditorium and offices for CTMI in Trianon. I got very excited about the idea of being involved in any way possible. When I discovered that the construction site was open to anyone who wanted to help, I was overjoyed, knowing that I could play my part in my free time. What an incredible year, working with young people with the same zeal in their heart to serve Jesus. No one instructed us to take part; but we willingly chose to be involved. I saw it as an opportunity to do something in return for everything that the Lord has given me. It was hard work, but I enjoyed it and will forever cherish the moments spent there with my brothers and sisters. I know that the relationships that I have formed with other young people during this time will last all my life.

In February 2010, I will commence my studies. I am extremely grateful to my parents, who are not only paying for my studies but continue to support me financially whilst here in Mauritius. I have decided to study Child Development, and am excited, as I have always wanted to work with children. I cannot recall, even once, someone mentioning not studying to me; on the contrary, the Elders and leaders of the church have always encouraged me to make the most of the gifts the Lord has given me, and to serve Jesus through everything that I do; whether it is studying, working or whatever it may be. The Lord has been so good to me, and I continue to trust Him for all that lies ahead.

Elders have always encouraged me to continue my studies!

In 2007, the year I matriculated, the Lord turned my life completely upside down. From the age of 13 Read more »

Posted: December 8th, 2009 under Youth.
Comments: none

Greg K

“If you want to call this experience brainwashing, then do so!”

Greg Kyle,

I have always been aware of God in my life. I was brought up in a church-going family but when I reached my teens I didn’t want to have anything to do with church. In my early twenties, before finally coming back to the church, I spent so much time on my own trying to create a personal relationship with God. Tired and disillusioned, I eventually came to a point where I was happy without Him. I worked and travelled the world a bit but always felt that my life lacked something.

Back in South Africa, in a good job and in the career I wanted, I still felt different and even alone in the world. During that time I attended a Family Camp in Durban organised by Grace Gospel Church, where Miki Hardy and other pastors of CTMI were speaking. I wasn’t that interested in God or Jesus, I went merely to see my brother and his then fiancée who where both members of that church. The weekend went by quickly; yet something profound happened which left me feeling helpless because I could not understand it. I now realise that it was the grace of God calling me back again, and giving me such a desire to surrender everything of my life to him. I remember the freedom and joy I felt at the camp even though I was personally far from God. In my mind, I couldn’t fully grasp the message Miki and men like Basil O’ Connell-Jones were sharing. But I know that it was the Lord Jesus Christ speaking directly to my heart! If someone wants to call this experience ‘brainwashing of my mind’ they can do so.

I am now with the local CTMI church in Mauritius and have taken part in the building project of their new auditorium in Trianon. It would be undermining the power of God to say I was here because I felt pressure to come. Rather, I am happy in the Lord’s plan for me, and what joy I have found in the freedom to serve Him.

I have always been aware of God in my life. I was brought up in a church-going family but when I reached my teens Read more »

Posted: December 8th, 2009 under Youth.
Comments: none

Greg G

I’ve attended Grace Gospel Church for the last 5 years and was privileged to spend the past 10 months in Mauritius with CTMI. I am 34 years old and have recently gotten married. I’ve lived in the Upper Highway area for 25 years. During this period, I was a member of two well established churches, and also visited 2 others, before finally deciding to join Grace Gospel Church.

In all this time I sincerely loved the Lord, but my life that was no different to that of my friends who weren’t Christians. Today, I realise this was due to me not hearing the gospel of the cross, and my unwillingness to surrender my life fully to Jesus. Since I first heard the preaching of the cross by Basil O’Connell Jones and other CTMI leaders, the Lord has shown me who I really am, and has given me the grace to change. Shouldn’t every sincere Christian desire this; to be moulded and changed into the image of Christ daily, and not just be content to be saved from sin?

I am so grateful to Miki Hardy for preaching the gospel of the cross. Without it, I would never have known as a husband how to deal with the issues that come along with married life; and to truly understand how I should love my wife as God intended me to. The first time I ever heard this man preaching was on TBN, about the relationship between a husband and a wife, as Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5.Today, I can see that no man should ever even consider getting married without having the complete revelation of what the apostle teaches. If it weren’t for this gospel preached in all the CTMI churches, I would never have met my wonderful wife. She came to know the Lord through one of CTMI’s partner churches in Tanzania while with the US Peace Corps.

Miki has always had time to talk to me and guide me, even on the busiest of days while he is in charge of a massive building project, and is taking care of numerous other church issues locally and overseas. I know of very few pastors and church leaders who can set such an amazingly wonderful example of a true Christian. You can only be drawn to, and love someone like this; otherwise I don’t think you are human.

I’ve had the privilege of being able to help build the new auditorium in Mauritius. I can clearly see how the Lord trained me up years ago, so that I could come and contribute to the project. I am not aware and certainly don’t recall any request, suggestion, or hint by Basil O’Connell Jones or other CTMI leaders to close my business and go to help in the building project in Mauritius and ‘serve the Lord’. The preposterous suggestions of being in a cult, made by a so-called Pastoral Therapist, in his letters on the Concerned Parents Group website are exactly that… outrageous! I decided to go to Mauritius on my own accord; it was a strong conviction that this was where the Lord wanted me to be. It wasn’t an easy decision: I was leaving behind my family, and a position of responsibility at Grace Gospel Church, as well as the life of luxury enjoyed by everyone in the Upper Highway area.

So many other young people have experienced something similar by coming to Mauritius. I have been blessed to meet young people from different countries, cultures, races; different social and financial backgrounds. We can all testify to how our lives have changed for the better. We are truly grateful to Miki Hardy, the Elders, and CTMI families for opening their homes and their lives to us; in some cases for months and even years, so that we could experience true Christian life. I have been treated with love, respect, and huge amounts of grace and patience in every home I was in, both “RICH” and POOR! This is not something I was likely ever to have experienced in today’s world, especially in South Africa.

I’ll always look back on my time in Mauritius as an incredible time, where I was able to form relationships that will last a lifetime, no matter where I go as a Christian. All this can be attributed to the gospel of the cross which is preached by Miki Hardy, Basil O’ Connell Jones and the other CTMI Partner churches.

“Shouldn’t every Christian desire to be moulded and changed into the image of Christ?”

I’ve attended Grace Gospel Church for the last 5 years and was privileged to Read more »

Posted: December 8th, 2009 under Other.
Comments: none

Dan

“The Lord built something that wasn’t there before in my family!”

Before I heard the gospel message preached at Grace Gospel Church, my life was Read more »

Posted: December 7th, 2009 under Youth.
Comments: none

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