Salvation Testimony

During my college years in Canada, I met a businessman who offered me a small book. I was hurrying upstairs for a few hours of juggling practice, and at first, did not want to be distracted by the smiling fellow. On that day I received a new testament that would start a work in my life. That night, I read some passages in the gospel of Mathew, wondering if such a story could be true. In fear I put the book away, but would soon be drawn back to it, and take it along just about everywhere.

About a year later I heard clearly for the first time that through believing in Jesus Christ I would receive eternal life. It was one of those nights, coming home late with friends in the early morning hours. As we neared the apartment building, God spoke to the heart of a Christian lady at about three o'clock in the morning, telling her to take her trash out to the dumpster. She met us in the hallway, and knew that it was God's appointment. She invited us into her apartment, and shared the gospel with us. The next day I prayed to receive Christ as my savior. I had not made up my mind about following Him, and I am not sure what I understood at that moment. The real turning point would come some six months later.

At the time I had just begun to work as a professional magician, or illusionist, but I was seeking something more than good tricks. I had heard much on occultism, and had read some of their books in search of interesting stories to include in the dramatic presentation of some tricks. I realized there was a dark side to the spiritual world. One night, I was thinking within myself about how great it would be to have real supernatural powers, not just to do tricks. Maybe a little bit like the miracles of the bible I thought. I was wondering how to find such abilities, as I was practicing a trick where I would make appear four lit candles. Suddenly, I felt a strange presence enter my apartment. I was not alone to feel it. At first, I felt that this presence sought to come inside of me. It was so strong that I thought that if I would open my soul to it, I would lose the control of my life. I decided to reject it. At that very moment, the person next to me fainted, and I could feel a very strong, invisible, and evil being was in the room. At that moment I clearly knew in my heart that it was no longer time to play the fool with my life, and that I had to come to Jesus Christ for safety. I know that at that time I clearly received Him as my savior, and started to follow Him.

I believe that on that night I had experienced some demonic manifestation. I am thankful that Jesus came to deliver us from the power of Satan. At that time I had decided to give up entertainment altogether. I remember praying and crying to God, begging Him to allow me to continue in the show business, promising to also speak about Him. It was one of those unique times when God clearly spoke to my heart; He was basically telling me that I should not do that at the time. So I gave it all up for years. It was good, because the art was a 'god' in my life.

After some time, I picked up some old tricks to teach simple lessons to children. Since then, I have developed it to the point of having a complete one man show with a clear presentation of the gospel. Being called into the ministry, I have always used creative arts in evangelism. I have found it effective just as much in Canada or the U.S., and all over Eastern Europe.

 

Francois alone