When I'd look at how my daughter Sharon's health was so poor, even after having been on medication for 18 years, how my husband's business had gone bankrupt after years of struggles, and how he was having an affair with another woman, I'd wonder if I had what it takes to cope with life. Many times, I'd climb the mountain to the local temple to cry. I couldn't understand why, after all the years of effort and all I'd done, I couldn't find the peace and happiness I was searching for.
One day a friend insisted on bringing me to a house church, where she said I could find the answers I was looking for. I was a very closed person, and had never shared my heart or problems with anyone, not even my parents, and I was afraid of facing people, especially a lot of them, so I told her I didn't want to go. However, after much persuasion I did finally agree to accompany her to her church. Once there, though, I was petrified by the crowd, and sat in a far corner of the room staring at the floor the whole time. I begged my friend to never take me to that kind of place again.
For the two months that followed, this friend continued to check on me through phone calls. Finally, she asked me to go with her to a party hosted by some close friends of hers. She assured me that it wouldn't be overwhelming, and despite my apprehension of meeting strangers, I agreed. As we approached the place where the party was being held, I heard music and people singing praise hymns. My heart opened up as those sounds reached my ears. I couldn't hold back the tears that began streaming down my face. I told these total strangers, "This is the very thing that I have been searching for these 20-some years--the peace and happiness I feel inside right now." I accepted Jesus into my life right then and there, and immediately I felt great relief. From that moment on, my life brightened up as the Lord's light came into my home, and I have not felt fear again ever since.
Ten of my personal family members, including my daughter, have also accepted Jesus since I learned about His love. Although my physical circumstances have not changed yet, and I am still confronted by the same difficulties and problems, I am facing them with faith, something I didn't have before.
Another big encouragement has been to see the change that took place in my daughter's life. She was bitter and unhappy about so many things, but God changed her so much. She told her dad recently that no matter how difficult our lives are, or would continue to be, she and I would keep on standing by his side because we believe in God now.
As for me, whether my circumstances change or not, I want to fulfill the Lord's will the best I can, and do my best to give others His love. I want to testify of what He and the Family have done for me, so that others can receive the joy of having a new life in Him. Thank you, dear Family, for helping me to step out of the emptiness of my old world and enter the new. You are my real family and I really love you!
