He Holds Your Hand - Visitor's Story

by Emil Evi
(Gresham, Oregon, USA)

Early on in life like most people I encountered sorrow and pain. My father passed unexpectedly when I was 17, divorced 9 years later left me depressed and involved in alcohol, drugs, crime and poverty.

An old friend from my younger years met me one day and reminded me of what I believe. He said he was once where I was and I helped him to see God's grace by reaching out to him. I lived in his home for months and when everything was going great I became sick with a rare illness.

Suddenly what everyone had been telling me for years that I would never make it, that I was too uneducated, too lazy, too sick and too sinful seemed to be true. But when all else failed me and it seemed as though life was slipping away, I remembered again what I believed: God is still God and he holds my hand.

When I didn't think I'd see Christmas I put my faith in him and I saw Easter, when summer's long nights in pain would not end I grasped to his garment until fall. And four years have come and gone, I have since built a business with God's help, and those who would have counted me out now ask me how I dared to go on and how I am still here.... God is Still God my friend and He holds your hand :)