Revelation 12:11
Intro/Testimony:
Hey there!
So,
My name Is Benito Figueroa,
I’m 23 years old and turning 24 in June.
I’ve been a believer for about three years now.
I met Jesus in Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge.
A few years ago, I was at a place in my life where i was absolutely helpeless and honestly had no hope in anything changing in my life anytime soon.
I have been in multiple treatments and involved in rehab structures from age 13 to 21.
Including,
Juvenile Detention Centers,
Jails,
Detox,
and lots of other legal trouble.
I was a troubled kid who had no direction.
I never had a good male role model growing up,
So, I rebelled against every authority in my life and all of it was due to so much emotional damage and hidden affliction I had no where else to turn.
I turned to using drugs and alcohol chronically to try and cover up my pain, only finding myself taking up this false persona..
I had drowned myself in alcohol and drugs…..
Only making my pain and other things worse.
I lost myself in the attempts of trying to run away from what I was going through.
I stuffed and stuffed with drinking/drugs and being co-dependent in relationships until I found myself at 21 wanting to commit suicide.
I had become so depressed and helpless I was ready to take my own life.
My efforts in coping with pain were coming to an end.
I was ashamed of who I was and what I had done with myself.
I thought the only option I had left was suicide.
I found myself in a psychward a week after my 21st birthday and knew that my life was going to go nowhere if I didn’t do something different.
I had heard about Teen Challenge through a friend who went through the program.
The Lord had used Him to plant a seed.
A very big seed.
I had heard of some people who went through Teen Challenge, knowing that they were introduced to Jesus and the gospel, and because of that their lives were never the same.
I thought to myself that I’d have to take this chance to do something different or i was dead.
I’ve never been involved in any sort of Christian/Church background and was convinced that this decision couldn’t have been a bad one if the Bible and God we’re involved.
So, I committed myself to go for a year and radically my life changed.
Jesus changed my heart, my mind, and it wasn’t so much then about Teen challenge, but it then was about
who is this Jesus…?
Because he is real!
He revealed Himself to me.
In such a way I will and can never forget.
I then went off to an after care ministry school that Teen challenge provides, committing myself to another year and was introduced there how to live a Spirit filled life. What it looks like to walk out this new life Christ has given me.
I was introduced to Mission Trips, learning about doctrines, intro to the Holy Spirit, and with these experiences I had been brought to a deeper place of surrender.
I now work for the program giving back and sewing seeds of love and hope to others praying and hoping that Christ set them free!!
I’m also attending Minnesota school of ministry to be a licensed Pastor..
My heart is for missions and Pastoral work.
I believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Gifts, Tongues, Miracles, Signs and Wonders,
I believe our God is alive and active and ready to reveal Himself to His creation, bringing them into the kingdom of Heaven!
But, we as believers have a big part in that as well.
As scripture tells us we are (co-labors) with Christ.
We are to reach all nations, baptizing them in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit taking care of our family members in Christ.
I think its crucial that we disciple each other until the return of our King.
I’m sold out and ready to give back and see God move in our lives together.
Why the World Race ?
I felt this call to go last year but I don’t think that I was ready to commit.
There are multiple reasons why it didn’t work out but felt the nudge once again from the Lord this year and things will come together this year.
I love witnessing God in different cultures and in different peoples lives in different parts of the world.
I went to Cuba for a week and on that trip I felt like the Lord was calling me to international parts of the world.
I felt like that’s what I am called to do.
The love and fire of Jesus speaks internationally, to all life, and to all languages and it’s so beautiful to witness it up close!
I choose to commit to the world race because I sense the call and know/believe that the Lord will provide!
He equips those He calls.
He’s changed this lost boy with no direction into a man with steadfastness for Christ so He will be able to do all other impossibilities!
be with me to see the Lord put all this together.
I choose to answer the call.
