Prospective New Members:
As a church, we are excited about how God is working among and through us. One aspect is seeing people excited to lock arms as they seek to partner with us in Church Membership. If you are curious about what it means to partner with Knollwood in Church Membership or just want to learn more about that, consider signing up for our upcoming Next Steps Class.
Please read the testimonies of Lunce Dowdie and Adedayo Adesile and take some time to get to know them over the next couple of weeks.
Lunce Dowdie
Growing up back in Jamaica, going to church was a requirement whether or not my parents went. Christianity is a big thing there.
I’ve always been a firm believer in Christ and have often prayed, attended church, volunteered as Sunday school teacher and participated by leading praise and worship and reading of scriptures. I’ve even conducted youth service. So in all honesty, I’ve been doing all with the exception that I was not baptised.
I’m the survivor of multiple serious car accidents 2009, 2013, 2015, and that’s what prompted me more than other factors to give my life fully to God through baptism. Since then, I cannot say I’ve made a radical change, as to me this was more of a formality.
Over the years, I’ve tried to live by the word in actions, thoughts and deeds. Sometimes I get it right, some times I don’t however I vow never to give up and to continue trusting God. He has brought me this far and He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Adedayo Adesile
What I was like before: I was neither wayward nor was I a troublesome son while growing up but like most children I had my naughty moments when I would do unimaginable things like lie, steal keep malice amongst others that I cannot remember.
My family, friends and interests were: My parents are deep believers of the bible, thank God for them. Early morning devotion and night prayers. My siblings are Godsent cause we were each others keepers.
I found my hope and security in: I love to read, so I started out reading Christian authors on different topics but I was quickly taught that I can read on a particular topic, meditate on it, reference it with the bible and have better understanding than just reading all and grasping nothing.
My religious background & attitude about Christ was: My parents are Baptist so we had the Baptist training. Before my dad got his car my siblings and I would be marching on in-front of them to church while they watched us from behind so no one was left at home even when we were sick. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Our life was rooted in Jesus, that’s my foundation.
What God used to begin to open my eyes: Our bible verse recitation then in children’s church. Seems like we were just doing it every Sunday but looking at it and thinking about it opened my heart to loving it.
I was awakened to my need for Christ by: Gathering or meetings and Christian novels. Sometimes I get bible verses that touch my heart from a Christian novel.
What I understand or noticed at this point was: God loved us and called us, bought us with a price (Blood of Jesus).
What I saw and understood: Knowing Jesus Christ is personal, my parents’ salvation would not save me. I must openly believe and confess Jesus as my Lord and personal saviour.
The aspects of the gospel that touched me were: Apostle Paul when he was going to Damascus to persecute the Christians there. I came to understand that Christ’s death and resurrection must not be in vain. I should not suffer a second death because Jesus already paid it all.
A particular Scripture that the Lord used to draw me to Him was: John 3:16. I saw that I needed to accept Jesus into my life and surrender all to Him.
How Christ is affecting my life: God makes it easy to ask knowing that he is ready to give onto me all I ask from him. My desires are now to please him (GOD).
A difficult area of obedience is: Aspect of tithing.