Christ Jesus Came into the World to Save Sinners
MJ Peace
“Christ Jesus came into the World to save sinners- of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15b
1.) Background
I was born April 9, 1989 in Chicago, IL, USA. My parents were born in the Philippines. When I was 14 years old we moved to Kiev, Ukraine as missionaries. After I finished high school I moved to Istanbul, Turkey to do my 4 years of university studies. I graduated from university last year.
The verse 1 Timothy 1:15b (at the top) was a turning point in my life, I studied this verse in a Group Bible Study with M. Vucekovich after one year of living in Ukraine. That year drove me into deep depression and almost suicide. I was unthankful and hateful towards my parents and God for taking me out of America. But when I finally saw that I was a sinner that caused my own sufferings, I saw my need for Jesus. I saw his patience and mercy towards me, even though I deserved punishment for the way I treated others. He won me over and I now love Ukraine. I thank God for the meaning in life he gave me, to serve him there and wherever I am.
2.) Major Spiritual Influence
John and Maria Peace: my parents. They have always given me unconditional love. They have always “walked the talk.” Their faith is followed by deeds fueled by love. They are not flawless, but I thank God every day for them.
Katya V.: she was my Bible teacher in Ukraine. She was the first Bible teacher I ever had that said, “I want to be your friend.” She genuinely taught and loved me, and I thank God that she listened to me and prayed for me throughout high school.
3.) Dreams/Goals in Following Christ
My ultimate goal is to know God and be one with him as he and Jesus are one. The dreams/goals that fall under that heading are:
-be an international teacher and influence students for Christ.
-go to Seminary, learn Greek and Hebrew (this is my dream)
-Reach out to the Ukrainian sisters in my church and develop deep friendships.
4.) Benefit of this Cohort
I am hoping to read a lot and learn from fellow believers. Also it is amazing how we live thousands of miles away from each other but are still able to communicate and share questions/struggles. I want to read Bonhoeffer and it's more enriching to learn together than on your own.
Ben Toh
studying Greek and Hebrew. Though not possible, if I am 30 years ago
when I became a Christian what I am today I would have studied Greek
and Hebrew. But then again, I may have dropped out after a week! My
conclusion might be that I will learn Hebrew and Greek after the 2nd
Coming in the kingdom of God.
As always, it was great to spend some time with your parents when they
were in Chicago. I am looking forward to your purchase of a new Bible
house.
Post a picture if you don't mind, so that others may connect your
story with a picture of yourself.
Ben
On Jul 26, 8:22 am, MJ Peace <mariapea...@gmail.com> wrote:
> “Christ Jesus came into the World to save sinners- of whom I am the
> worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15b
>
> I was born April 9, 1989 in Chicago, IL, USA. My parents were born in the
> Philippines. When I was 14 years old we moved to Kiev, Ukraine as
> missionaries. After I finished high school I moved to Istanbul, Turkey to
> do my 4 years of university studies. I graduated from university last year.
>
> The verse 1 Timothy 1:15b (at the top) was a turning point in my life, I
> studied this verse in a Group Bible Study with M. Vucekovich after one year
> of living in Ukraine. That year drove me into deep depression and almost
> suicide. I was unthankful and hateful towards my parents and God for taking
> me out of America. But when I finally saw that I was a sinner that caused
> my own sufferings, I saw my need for Jesus. I saw his patience and mercy
> towards me, even though I deserved punishment for the way I treated others.
> He won me over and I now love Ukraine. I thank God for the meaning in
> life he gave me, to serve him there and wherever I am.
>
> John and Maria Peace: my parents. They have always given me unconditional
> love. They have always “walked the talk.” Their faith is followed by deeds
> fueled by love. They are not flawless, but I thank God every day for them.
>
> Katya V.: she was my Bible teacher in Ukraine. She was the first Bible
> teacher I ever had that said, “I want to be your friend.” She genuinely
> taught and loved me, and I thank God that she listened to me and prayed for
> me throughout high school.
>
> My ultimate goal is to know God and be one with him as he and Jesus are
> one. The dreams/goals that fall under that heading are:
>
> -be an international teacher and influence students for Christ.
>
> -go to Seminary, learn Greek and Hebrew (this is my dream)
>
> -Reach out to the Ukrainian sisters in my church and develop deep
> friendships.
>