I had addictions that began in my early ages

I arrived at the universal church with a lot of resentment and grudges toward many people. I had addictions that began in my early teens and although I would give up smoking and drinking for a while - these would be the first things I turned to the minute I was stressed and felt like I couldn't cope. I was unhappy and had an emptiness that wouldn't go away. It didn't matter how intoxicated I was, or how many loved ones surrounded me, the emptiness remained.

This started to change from the very first night I entered the UCKG help centre. I began the chain of prayers without fully understanding it. I believed God was there and that He would answer my prayers and do great things. Every time I attended, the message delivered by the man of God was uplifting and powerful. So powerful and precise that I knew God was speaking to me because only those closest to me would know such things. Except for the emptiness, I never shared with anyone fearing they would think I was crazy. That was my life.

Today I can say that I am truly free from all addictions, forgave all who hurt me and learnt to forgive myself. I discovered the emptiness I once had was actually the absence of God in my life. That void was filled and is home to His Holy Spirit. I'm not deceived or misled into thinking life will be perfect, challenges will always come but i know where to go for help. He is all I need and whenever challenges arise, it is Him that I turn to first for strength.

- Antoinette Takiari