The Temple Of Restoration

TESTIMONIALS

My Life Restored Tremendously!!!!

I started drinking at the age of 14 and smoking marijuana at age 15. By age 16, I was addicted to both alcohol and marijuana. Days would go by without me knowing because of the drug-induced state I was in. I was depressed for no apparent reason and began to think that my life was of no value. My prayer was, “God remove me from the world.” To cover the pain I was feeling deep inside, I partied, got drunk and was high almost every night. But this only drove me into even greater depression. My sentimental life was no better; I was from one abusive relationship to the next.

Growing up with all the financial lack around me, I vowed that I would have money no matter how I had to get it. After graduating from high school, I received a scholarship to one of the most prestigious universities in the country. But my stay was not for long. I became involved with all kinds of destructive habits; my studies suffering along the way. By the first semester, I lost the scholarship and about a year later, I received a letter stating I was no longer a student there. However, I had another opportunity to attend another university and was able to graduate with my Bachelor’s Degree.

Following my graduation from college, I began working as a merchandiser and was doing well. But in spite of my successes, I took to shoplifting for no reason. I was shoplifting from the stores I worked in and any store I entered. This led to my demise, before long I was arrested. I suffered great embarrassment, a loss of job and was left with no source of income. Eventually I ended up with a job talking to men over the phone about their perverted fantasies. I also became involved with weapons and drugs dealing through a boyfriend I had. My mind was totally warped. All I cared about was satisfying my own selfish desires with money, the latest fashion and cars. But before long all this came to a sudden end and was again left with neither friend nor job.

Severe depression was now my best friend and ecstasy and smoking marijuana were my closest companions. When I thought that was not enough I thought about cocaine, but somehow I could not get my hands on it. My days were spent crying – not to mentioned nighttime. The depression inside me was so severe, that it showed outside. Almost everyone would inquire of me if I was alright. The worst part of my ordeal is that I was all alone with no family close to me. My family was separated with malice, anger and some form of grudge. My mother and I were always arguing and couldn’t seem to come to any mutual agreement. Every aspect of my life was so unstable and unsecure. I was at the point where I had to share a $5 plate of food for dinner and sometimes go to bed without.

Since I started at The Temple of Restoration, my life has made a complete transformation. No more do I indulge in alcohol and drugs or wayward living. My finances are restored and I have a great position at a non-profit organization. I drive my own car and I am in school pursuing my Master’s degree with the goal of becoming a Christian marriage counselor. So many lessons I’ve learnt along life’s way, though I am just 22 years old. But I thank God for giving me another chance and restoring my life, tremendously. He has placed within me a Peace that I cannot dare to describe. I thank God for His wonderful mercies upon my life.

Asha Griffith, Brooklyn, NY

God Has Indeed Been Good To Me...!!!!

Before coming to The Temple of Restoration, I had no interest in church. Even though I would talk to God in my quiet time, I just thought church was boring and not for me. But all this changed when I found myself faced with jail time of 5-7 years and possible deportation. I was arrested and jailed for 40 days and 40 nights after Canadian Customs Officials found a gun in my truck. I was on my way to Buffalo to a job when I took a wrong turn and ended up in Canada. Throughout this ordeal, I felt hopeless–like a caged dog. I was totally frustrated by the treatment of the prison officials, and often would go without food for up to 24 hours.

My friend, who was with me in the vehicle, was also arrested and deported shortly thereafter. I was told that by the look of the case, I too could follow suit; and, for me to get out on bail was totally unlikely. By now, my sister was coming to The Temple of Restoration with my picture for the pastors to pray over it. In the midst of it all, I started to read the Bible and while there in jail, I prayed asking God to help me. God indeed heard my cry and shortly after, I was released.

I was out on Friday and by that Monday I was in church testifying. But my battle was not yet, over. I was facing possible deportation when the case went before the court. In spite of this fact, I continued to believe God to work a miracle on my behalf. Every time I attended the services, I would write my prayer request asking the Lord for freedom. I learned to be faithful in my tithes and offerings; and when the time came for me to retain a lawyer, money came from everywhere–everyone helped me.

When my lawyer informed me that the judge handling the case was not the judge usually assigned for these types of cases, I knew it was confirmation that God was indeed hearing my prayer. I was one of the first to go before this quite “easy-going judge.” My lawyer again informed me that due to the strict gun laws in Buffalo, people in my situation tend to get 5-7 years jail time, plus probation. He also said that it was possible for the case to take years before a decision was reached. In spite of this, I continued to hold on to the Word, believing God to make a way for me.

God indeed stepped in and showed His awesome power; within four months of the court proceedings, my case was thrown out. I made history by not only receiving no probation, but I was the first ever to get bailed out of that jail having an immigration retainer. Financially, God also worked it out that the original bail bond of $100,000 was reduced to $50,000, of which I paid $5,000. In total, I spent just $16,000 for the entire case. Now I no longer find church to be boring, but attend regularly and continue to tithe and give my offering. As a result, my finances have experienced God’s transforming power. I enjoy coming to church so much that I bring my friends and even evangelize to others. God has indeed been good to me!!!!

Fray Deidrick, Brooklyn, NY

My Family Restored!!!!

When I came to the Temple of Restoration, my life was filled with pain, misery and pure turmoil. Confusion and insomnia was my cup of tea. My husband, having left me over four years had finally divorced me. To make it worse, my children were in total rebellion and financially, I was drowning in debts to the extent that I could not pay my rent. My life was falling in shambles right before my eyes and I could do nothing about it but cry. But God heard my cry and saw my tears and one day put a member of The Temple in my path. Through my tears, I told her some of my problems. She extended an invitation to me and challenged me to participate in one of the services, saying, “If I believe, God will change my situation”. I wasted no time and that very night I came to the church.

Since that first night, I have been preserving for my change. The teachings I received from the men of God here really inspired me to totally deposit my trust in God and believe that with Him all things are possible. I received hope and my faith increased. Whenever the Love Seminar service was held, I came with great expectation. I had the faith that even after more than five years of separation and divorce, God would bring me and my husband back together again. The Bible says, “Two are better than one, for they can help each other. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help” (Ecclesiastes chap3 vs9-10).

Today, after three years of persevering, my life is totally transformed. I can truly say that I have joy in my heart. My life is wonderful; God has blessed me in so many ways but especially in my family. Now my children are obedient and kind to me. My ex-husband has once again asked me to be his wife and we are engaged to be married next year. The best part is that he now comes to church with me. I thank the Lord Jesus for restoring my life and my family.

I encourage you, if at this time you are facing marital/family or any other problems, to try Jesus because if you believe, just as He did for me, He will do for you also. Praise God!!

Maura Martinez, Brooklyn, NY

I Am Healed From Diabetes....

In the latter part of December 2005, I became slightly ill but didn’t think much of it. By January 2006, the signs and symptoms became much more severe and I was rushed to the ER. I was diagnosed with very a high sugar level of 575 and high blood pressure of 190/90 and was kept in the ICU for 6 days. The doctor told me that I was “lucky to be alive.”

Shortly after being discharged from the hospital, I followed-up with my doctor who prescribed a daily dose of 200 units of insulin (Novolog) and 1000mg of Metformin. My doctor said that I could not be healed and had to be on the medications for life.

Shortly after I began attending The Temple of Restoration, I learned of the promises of God and that He is a healer and can do anything. I began to let go of the words of the doctor and chose to believe God for my healing. Every week I was here in the services fighting for my deliverance.

One Tuesday in the “Morning of Glory” service the pastor requested that all who wanted to believe God for their healing were to come to the altar. I believed with all my heart and was among the many who gathered at the altar. The pastor prayed for us and spoke the word of healing over our life, then declared that, “Some of you have been healed from diabetes and a host of other diseases, and the only thing to be done now is to get checked by your doctor.” I did not do my test right away. But when my results came my doctor could not believe it.

He said to me, "I really don't know what to make of this; your results are normal." I began thanking God and said to him, “I believed God for my healing.” My doctor was in complete shock; he just sat and stared at me. Finally, he told me I no longer needed to be on the medications. So, just as the man of God declared, I am healed from diabetes and a host of other diseases. To God Be the Glory!!!

Nicole Brooks, Brooklyn, NY

My Life, Finances and Family Restored!!!!

Before coming to The Temple of Restoration, I made decisions that caused me grave consequences. Neglecting my mother and wifely duties, all I cared about was to party and drink. As a result I experienced serious family problems. My husband and I fought and argue almost every day. To make matters worse my three older children were out of control. They were disobedient to all they were told do; my house before long, became a battlefield.

The situation became uncontrollable. I did not know what to do or where to turn for help. As a last resort, I sought the help of psychics. I was given various items to put around my house to fight evil spirits and liquids to bathe my family and candles to burn. The only results I got were more intense arguments between me and my husband, and my children becoming more rebellious.

My determination to have a loving and peaceful home drove me to continue seeking the help of psychics. As the months passed, the adversity between me and my husband only escalated. Eventually, 14 years of marriage, seemed wasted, when two weeks after our wedding anniversary, He walked out of my life.

My husband wanted nothing to do with me and demanded a divorce. To add to my pain, three weeks after my husband left, my oldest son also followed suit – our mother-son relationship, totally deteriorated.

I was totally distraught by all the problems I was facing. To add to my burden, I was unemployed. With my husband out of the house I became totally overwhelmed by the situation. Yet my pride did not permit me to seek help from him. Instead I searched out my friends and family. This of course did not resolve the issues only led to greater frustrations.

My mother who is a member of the Temple of Restoration, on different occasions invited me to the church, however, with my hope of a restored family and finances below zero – I procrastinated for a while. Finally, I came and spoke with the pastor regarding my situation. He prayed with me and encouraged me to fight for my family.

I decided to pursue my deliverance for my marriage, finances and family. Every week I came expecting God to turn my situation around. As the months passed, I began seeing some changes, in my children – they were more calm and happy. But my fight was not over yet, as my husband and oldest son was still out of the house.

On December 31, 2008, I went to “The Night of Decision,” determined in my heart that the year 2009, was indeed the “Year of Change” for me and my house. In faith, I sowed a seed for my marriage and family, believing God to restore to me, all that was taken away. I prayed in earnest for my deliverance and left the service uplifted, confident that God has heard my cry.

God indeed heard my cry, and six months later, gave me the answer to my prayer. The relationship between me and my oldest son was restored and my husband moved back home and we recently celebrated our 17th year anniversary.

In the midst of the turmoil, I had the opportunity pursue a Medical Assistant degree. I’ve now completed the course and now have been blessed with gainful employment. I thank God for His grace and mercy for restoring unto me my finances, my life and a happy family. All the glory be to God.

Nicole Swinney, Brooklyn, NY

No More Drinking... For Fulfillment..!!

For more than 15 years of my life, I found my joy in drinking alcohol, smoking, gambling, friends and different women. I never stayed at home - always in the streets. A visit to the doctor revealed, I was suffering from diabetes. To help with my health condition, the doctor told me that I needed to stop drinking and smoking. Even though I realized that my health was being affected, I just could not stop drinking or smoking.

My life was miraculously transformed, when I came with my sister to The Temple of Restoration. After three weeks of participating in the Friday deliverance service, I realized that I had lost all desire to drink, smoke and gamble. Neither did I have any interest to join my friends on the streets; and the good thing is, I never once felt like I was missing out on anything.

It’s been over a year now since the Lord delivered me from a path of destruction to the way of life. My whole life has been completely changed. I no longer look to alcohol, smoking, gambling, friends or women for fulfillment because Jesus has filled me with unspeakable joy. Praise to His name!.

Rupert Smith, Brooklyn, NY

Jesus Brings Real Satisfaction!!!!

My life was full of sadness. I was never fully satisfied. There was always something missing, but I just didn't know what it was. I blamed everyone for the way I felt. I had a great supporting family, attended one of the top private colleges, and I was financially stable. In most people’s eyes I had it all.

I walked around with a smile, portraying that I was happy when in reality I wasn't. The more I tried to fulfill my sadness the more I saw myself getting into things that I couldn't believe I was doing. I thought that if I was in a relationship I would be happy, but I saw myself jumping from relationship to relationship, hoping that I will find "the one" to make me happy. But I didn't.

I resorted to partying almost every day and eventually drinking. I did it so much that it became a habit. I was always the person who frowned on the girls who were party girls, but here I was following in that same step. I traveled state to state, to attend special events and parties. I spent so much money for just a couple of hours of fun. At the end of the night, I’d be right back at square one or even worse.

When relationships and partying didn't answer my problem, I started shopping. I shopped and shopped to my last penny. I maxed out all of my credit cards. By the time I was done my shopping extravaganza I still wasn't happy and I had over $7,000 of debt.

The story of my life changed, when about a year ago, after completing college I moved to New York City. I began attending TTOR. As weeks went by I started to notice that the things that I was doing were of no more interest to me. I began to experience the true joy of salvation.

Today I am a HAPPY and satisfied Person. I have Christ in my life, my dream job in the fashion industry; I have paid off all my debts, and I don't look anymore for relationships to make me happy. Now, I am an activist for Christ and have set out to bring those who are walking in my old path to know who God is and how He brings real satisfaction and Happiness in one's life. God Bless

Samira DeAndrade, New York, NY

A Real Testimonial!!!!

I used to criticize those who honored God with their tithes and offering. The most I used to give was $1.00. My concept was, “I am not making anyone rich”. With this mind-set, I lived a life of pure stagnation. But one day, the Holy Spirit through the scriptures, convicted me of my selfish ways and helped me to know the importance of giving, and the difference between tithe and offering.

Since then, I’ve become a faithful tither and giver in the house of the Lord; God has changed me from a bitter and selfish person to a giving and sharing servant. Today, God’s blessing is flowing in all areas of my life; a happy marriage; a huge home; multiple salary increases; a wedding planning business and a boutique store in Barbados, West Indies; and most of all, a family that is saved and loves the Lord.

So if you are struggling financially or otherwise, I encourage you to tithe and give unto God faithfully. God is faithful to His words, and makes impossible things, possible. He has made impossible, possible for me and is willing to do the same for you, or even greater. Praise the Lord.”

Sherry-Ann Sobers-Gibbons, Brooklyn, NY

The Vicious Cycle is Broken!!!!

Before I came to The Temple of Restoration, my life was a living mess. My major struggles were, drinking, women and partying. I used to find myself drinking non-stop on a daily basis, just to please and fit in with my friends. I would drink thinking that my problems would go away or even my life would get better, but all it brought about was me getting drunk and not remembering what I did the night or day before – The partying and the drinking went hand in hand.

Many times I tried to stop that kind of living, but I just could not do it. In my eyes, ladies were just a piece of meat. One of my regular practices was, hanging outside the club after partying, to see which lady I could get to go home and sleep with for the night. Almost every night I went clubbing, I took home a different lady.

There were times when neither I nor my friends had money for club, so I would sleep with girls, and get their money and car, afterwards, me and my friends could go have a great time. It was so bad that even during exams, I would still be out drinking and or partying the night before the exam, as if I had not a care in the world.

This vicious cycle continued for years, until I came to The Temple of Restoration, where I encountered the deliverance power of God. My eyes were opened and the curse was broken. I thank God that I am delivered from that destructive life style, and today I am a servant of the Lord doing His work. To God be the glory.

Sherwin Merryman, Brooklyn, NY

A Gift of God!!!!

I came to The Temple of Restoration suffering with a severe bleeding problem that caused me not to be able to retain a pregnancy. For almost 10 years, I was afflicted with this problem. I went to many doctors but they could not even determine the cause, lest to find a solution. I was placed on medication that only helped temporarily. As soon as the medication was finished, the bleeding would start again. I even did surgery, but still no help was there for me.

I was totally miserable, depressed and helpless. But I thank God for the invitation I received to The Temple of Restoration. Even though in the beginning I kept putting it off, but since the day I entered through the doors of The Temple of Restoration, my life has been transformed. I knew right away that I was in the right place.

I began to persevere in my link of prayers for healing and deliverance. The first thing to go was the bleeding. I was so happy. But then I asked the Lord to remember me and as He did for Hannah, do for me and bless me with a baby boy. I entered 2007 in faith, believing God to cancel “the spirit of bareness” from my womb and I made the decision to be a mother of a baby boy. Well the Lord honored my faith and in that same year I became pregnant and in April 2008, my husband and I were the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy named “Emmanuel Dieudonne (Gift of God) Zizien.

Yvette Zizien, Brooklyn, NY