God's Abundant Love
From Darkness into Light

Anthony was unusual, even for a place like the men's Bellevue Shelter on 1st Ave and 29th street in New York City. Fanged teeth, black nail polish, heavy skull jewelry, tattoos, and facial piercing marked his rough exterior. He was homeless, severely depressed, and angry.

On Friday, May 18th 2007, Anthony's life changed forever.

That particular day started out very rough for Anthony, when he learned that a friend had died in the shelter that afternoon. His own life had become a question itself and although he'd dealt with loss before, this death hit closer to home than any other. He needed hope, and it would find its way in through an unlikely source.

"It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear". - Isaiah 65:24 KJV

As a Raven Ministry team arrived at Bellevue that evening, they were alerted to what had taken place earlier that afternoon. Depression hovered over the place. The police had closed off the normal meeting area and the team was asked to move to another room.

The new room was the recreation room at the other end of the building and as the team walked in, with a small crowd following; they found Anthony, alone, sitting by himself. The Raven Ministry team began to sing in hope of lifting the mood in the place. As they sang in the midst of the people, one man gave a testimony of how God had delivered him from drugs and depression. Another Raven Ministry team member shared about God's love for everyone. With that a strong presence of the Holy Spirit filled the room, and an invitation was given for anyone who wanted to receive Christ.

Luke 1: 79 "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death".

Two men standing by Anthony began to speak to him, when they noticed that he had broken down crying. He had been listening to everything, and with tears in his eyes, he asked, "Can I really be free from all this? The music, the lifestyle and the addictions? Could this be true? Can God forgive me?" the Raven Ministry team told him, "With God, nothing is too hard!"

They then began to share the Gospel with him and how Christ had accomplished everything on the cross. Anthony said he wanted to be free from all his pain and they led him in a simple prayer of repentance. Tears became laughter, and laughter turned back into tears of extreme joy.

The team said Anthony was so full of joy and enthusiasm he immediately began to pull off his rings, necklaces, and piercings that had defined his identity for so long. His smile stretched from ear to ear and his eyes shone with new life.

Isaiah 9:2" The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined."

Anthony has now completed New Believers I & II, and is considering joining a ministry at Times Square Church, and even attending Mt. Zion School of Ministry.

To God be the glory!