Johniese Cohen

GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

Name Johniese Cohen

Church you attend: New Testament Church of God Worship Centre in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Position in church: Ordained minister, assistant pastor, leader of several ministries.

How long have you been saved: I have been saved from I was 11 years old. More than 30 years.

Your moment of conviction From I was a child, I felt the call of God on my life; and from as far back as age five or six, the Lord called me in a vision and I wanted to be baptised from then, but I was told that I was too young. I eventually got baptised when I was 11.

Most challenging moment since being saved: Being forced to be silent and forced to desist from doing what God has called me to do. Being constrained and discouraged from doing what the Lord wants me to do, but nonetheless, because of who called, and because I know who convicted me and I know my calling, am able to do it on an individual basis because of the relationship between the Lord and I. So, I am able to go ahead and do it amidst the constraint that is placed upon me now.

Most miraculous moment since being saved: Several doctors told me that I would not be able to have any children, and in my frustration, I began to beat up on myself, so to speak. However, I heard the Lord speak to my spirit and told me to give thanks for my boy child. Just like that. That was after several years of trying. At that point when the Lord spoke to me and told me this, He was being specific because of what I was asking Him for. I did try and began to give thanks; and in the second month, I became frustrated again; and I heard the voice again, "give Me thanks for that boy child." In the third month, I began to give God thanks without any hesitation. I just said, "God, I give you praise," and I called the name; and in the fourth month, I found out that I was pregnant. The other occasion was when my vehicle flipped over with me over a 25-foot wall; and was totally written off. I came out of it without a scratch.

Message to christians: Develop a personal fellowship and relationship with Jesus. You can talk to Him anytime and know that He is there. You can feel His presence anytime of the day, anytime of the night; and in the midst of trouble. As He says, 'fear not'; He is going to be there. You do not have to wonder if He is going to be there with you. He says He will never leave us nor for sake us. Without a shadow of a doubt, He will be there for you; but you have to develop a fellowship and a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Message to non-Christians: Time is short, and God so loved the world that He sent His only son while making provisions for the saving of our souls, the healing of our bodies, and the freeing of our minds from the clutches of the enemy. When you know that you have somebody on whom you can depend and call on at anytime, you will have peace.

Favourite Bible scriptures: Romans 8 and Psalm 34.

Favourite song:Jesus, what an awesome wonder you are.

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