GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

Name: Joyce Taylor

Church you attend: Village Pentecostal Church of God, Manchester

Position in the church: Women's ministry president, choir director, minister and first lady.

Time since being a Christian: I have been saved for 44 years.

Moment of conviction: I was in Sunday school and, at a tender age, just entered my teen years, and I remember our Sunday school superintendent extending an altar call. In those days, after Sunday-school we usually have altar calls. He was entreating us to escape Hell's fire, and I was really convicted. I was a regular Sunday-school member but that was the morning when I gave up fully and committed my life to the Lord.

Most challenging moment since becoming a Christian: Sometimes, when I am faced with testing and trials, sometimes I wonder if I can really make this journey or be really committed to the task. Sometimes I wonder if it is not too hard, but then I am reminded that with Jesus I can make it. Paul also says, 'It is not I that live but the Christ that lives in me'. If it was left up to me alone, I know I would have given up a long time ago. However, knowing that there is a goal ahead, a reward to receive, and if I fall out by the way now, there is no way that I will reap that reward. I have to continue and be faithful to the end. If Usain Bolt had stopped by the way in his race, he would not have been a world champion today. So, for me to receive that goal, I have to continue to the finish line.

Miraculous event in your life: There was a time when I had a pain in my right leg and could not walk for days, could not go to work. I had a sickness that was from Hell. I just could not help myself. I was in my room laying down one evening and there was this heavy weight on me. I called to my husband to get some brethrens to come and pray for me. One foot was cold as ice and I had on several socks. One sister came and pulled off the socks and said, 'In the name of Jesus you are going to walk today'. She told me to get up and walk and I did, going around the bed. The next morning I was able to go to work.

Message to Christians: Be faithful. Be committed to the task that Christ has given us. Do not give up, because if we give up we won't receive our reward. So, be faithful and be true to God, and every opportunity that we get to pass on this good Gospel message to somebody, let them know that Jesus cares and with Him He is well able to take us through.

Message to non-Christians: You need to know that during the death of Jesus, He had you in mind. It was love that took Him to the cross. He died for you and He is well able to save you, irrespective of who you are and the circumstances which exist in your life, there is nothing that is too hard for God. The songwriter says, 'The vilest offender who truly believe, that moment from Jesus a pardon they can receive'.

Favourite Bible scripture: Psalm 119:105

Favourite line of a favourite song: 'Life is like a mountain railroad with an engineer that's brave; you must make the run successful from the cradle to the grave'.

Feedback: pehenrya@hotmail.com