Soldier for Christ
Army life in Kenya is tough. We beat and even killed some people during civil disturbances. When I was stationed in eastern Kenya, some students and teachers from the Adventist University held meetings near our base. One speaker said that if Jesus were living on earth today, He would be an Adventist. This intrigued me, and I began asking questions and reading the Bible to find out why this church was different.
Three of us on our base decided to attend the Adventist church, but we were supposed to work on Saturdays. When the commander saw us leaving the base one Saturday, he became angry and forbid us to leave the base. So we met to pray together under a mango tree every Sabbath.
My cousin came to visit me. He was an Adventist, but he did not know I was interested in religion. He was surprised to find me reading the Bible. When I told him that my friends and I met under a mango tree to pray because the commanding officer would not allow us to leave the base to attend church, he offered to help. He wrote a letter for me to take to the school at the Adventist University. The commander agreed, provided no fighting broke out during that time.
I traveled to the university, and I learned more about Jesus. I learned what it meant to keep the Sabbath and the importance to putting away unhealthful habits. After I was baptized I wrote to my commander and requested that I be discharged from military duty.
I went to visit my parents, and they saw the difference in my life. They listened as I shared my new faith. My mother was first to become an Adventist, and one by one my brothers and sisters joined as well. Finally my father saw the beauty of following Jesus and joined the church.
I love my Jesus! Every chance I have I return to the military base where I once served and testify to the other soldiers about what Jesus has done in my life. Many of them are now following Jesus. What a wonderful life God has given me!
"Remember only we can change our evil behavior."
"And He gives us the power to do so."
"And He gives us the power to do so."
Author: Danson Kilonzo.