ctmi christian testimonies

They told me to persevere… that God has already planned everything for me!

What a joy it is for me to share my testimony, about how the Lord has been faithful to me!

My name is Hélèna, I’m 24 years old and I am presently studying for a Masters in International Affairs in France. My family met the Lord during my childhood and, since that time, we have known the Elders of Eglise Chrétienne and the CTMI team. I did my secondary studies in a Star School in Mauritius, and have always been ambitious. Being in a good school, having good times with friends did not fill my heart with satisfaction. My life remained the same and there was no joy or peace in my heart.  When I really began to hear the gospel of the cross, my life was so confronted and God started to show me the state of my heart and my life. I surrendered my life to Jesus and started to discover great things. The elders and leaders were always available whenever I needed it, and they took wonderful care of me. The family of God is really amazing!

Once I completed secondary school, I decided to start my tertiary studies, but choosing a course was not easy. I attended career guidance courses, and even asked my parents about it. Being close to the leaders in my local church, I sought their advice too. They encouraged me to find something that I like and to seize the opportunity and the privilege that I had getting to go to university. After a three-year course, I succeeded with brilliant results and I acknowledged the hand of the Lord in my success. So many times, I had been discouraged, thinking: “It’s too much!” It was often very hard, but the elders always encouraged me to persevere, not to give up, that God has already planned everything for me. Today I am so grateful for their advice. I can see that, as I trusted God, He never disappointed me. On the contrary, He went beyond what I could imagine or hope… I have been awarded a scholarship to continue my postgraduate studies and this is how I am in France today.

When I hear all the false accusations circulating that CTMI encourages young people to give up their academic path, I wonder how this can be. I am living proof of the contrary! I am where I am today, not only because of my family, but also as a result of the direct counsel and help of these same elders and leaders of CTMI in Mauritius and here in Paris. I don’t remember anyone at any time saying to me: ‘Its better for you to leave school.’ What I have seen is how the elders of CTMI have at heart the future of young people. Each young person is cared for individually, based on where his/her relationship is with the Lord. Without the direct assistance and support of the CTMI family, it would have been almost impossible for me to think of coming to spend 2 years in France, far from family and friends!

Whoever states that we are brainwashed, and taught what to say and do, has clearly got a wrong impression of our lives and our church. The church and its leaders have a heart for us. We are all free to choose to do according to how the Lord leads us. Being in the church, even here in France, I can feel the same heart and love from the elders that I grew up with in Mauritius. I am so grateful for these men of God whose given lives are such a support and help for us. What grace it has been for me to have known the Lord as a young girl, and to have a pure undiluted gospel as a foundation in my life.

Jesus has done great things in my life. His unfailing love and faithfulness never cease to amaze me!

Héléna