GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

For decades Osmond Binns thought he was enjoying himself while he lived a life of drinking alcohol, gambling, and smoking. However, when he met Jesus Christ in 1972, he discovered that he was not only wasting money and putting his health at risk, but that it was the beginning of the real enjoyment for him in God.

"I used to gamble, smoke, and drink a lot before I started to walk with Jesus Christ; but since I came in contact with Him in 1972, I realised that I was not having any enjoyment but was killing myself slowly with drinking and smoking," testified Binns, who is currently an elder in the Community of Christ denomination in Manchester.

Binns has been serving as an elder in his denomination for the past 10 years. He is also currently serving as an assistant supervisor for five sister churches in Manchester, and is also a member of the Chudleigh branch of the Community Church of Christ.

Though his work is not easy, Binns noted that he tries to make it less challenging by engaging in a lot of praying and fasting. He said although there are struggles associated with his duties, he tries to live by the words written by the Apostle Paul who said, 'I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me'.

"We of our self cannot do it; but through Christ, whatever we have to do for Him is possible, because He can give us the strength and the power to do all He has in store for us to do," noted Binns.

The former raver told THE STAR that his walk with Christ started after he attended a service one day in Manchester and heard a special song being sung. He said he remembers the song which is entitled 'Come he that love the Lord and let His joy be known'. Following the song, Binns said an altar call was extended, to which he responded.

"I was a sinner who used to drink, gamble and all of those things; and I thought I was having a great time, but discovered that I was not having a good time doing those things when I got saved. I found out that there was no enjoyment doing them," admitted Elder Binns.

benefiting in many ways

Binns pointed out that the good he has been doing for the Lord has seen him benefiting in many ways, including God providing a home for him and his family, as well as healing him after he had been ill. He stated that through fasting and prayer to God his health has improved tremendously, because his Maker is still in the healing business.

Elder Binns is warning persons who continue to live a life of gambling, smoking, and drinking to understand that life can be better spent than to continue to indulge in such practices. He stressed that those activities cannot bring enjoyment, but that the best way to enjoy life is to live one that is fully committed to Christ.

"Persons need to give their life totally over to Christ, because the best solution to all of life's problems is to turn your life over to Him and he will do what is necessary to ensure that you are taken care of. The only solution is to accept Christ as your personal Saviour," preached Elder Binns.

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