My name is Otis, and my journey with faith has been a winding path. Growing up, my mom ensured we attended church every Sunday, whether it was Sunday school or morning service. Even if she had to work, she made sure someone would pick us up for church. I loved Sunday school, the singing, and the Bible stories. Around the age of 13 or 14, I got saved, although I didn’t fully understand what it meant. I remember hearing that accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord would grant me eternal life, so I thought getting saved would mean going to heaven.
In my twenties, I left my mom’s house. I was put out because I lacked direction in life. I never married, had children out of wedlock, and began living with different women. My life spiraled into drug use and heavy drinking.
I became homeless, working at various temp agencies just to support my habits. I moved to Detroit with a woman I was dating to care for her grandmother before she passed away. Our relationship was centered around drugs and alcohol.
One day, I decided I had enough and left, becoming homeless again. It was then that I met my pastor and his wife in Pontiac. I believe God sent them into my life because He heard my prayer. I prayed, expressing my weariness of my lifestyle and my desire to live for the Lord.
I rededicated my life to Christ, and since that day, God has been restoring my life and my family. I found joy in serving the Lord and others. In Pontiac, I served as my pastor’s armor bearer, assisting him with his appointments and escorting him to the pulpit.
I also managed the House of David Help Center, where I opened the building and prepared meals for the homeless and those in need. After four years, I ended up in prison, which turned out to be the best 12½ years of my life. During that time, I grew closer to understanding who I am in Christ Jesus. I met many brothers in prison and a volunteer who taught and lived the Word of God.
I still make mistakes and fall, but I get back up because of God’s grace and mercy. As it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast"1. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in Jesus Christ, who loves me and gave Himself for me on the cross (Galatians 2:202).
Here are some scriptures that have guided me:
Romans 10:9: "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"1.
Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit"1.
God’s grace and mercy have been my anchor, and I continue to live by faith, trusting in His love and redemption.
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