Testimony of Jose Alvarez

"And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying: What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgements, which the Lord our God hath commanded you? Then thou shalt say unto thy son: We were Pharaoh's bondsmen in Egypt: and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand." Deuteronomy 6:20,21

First and foremost, I want to thank and praise my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for what he has done in my life, for what He continues to do, and for allowing me this opportunity to express my appreciation for his transforming power in my life.

My name is Jose Alvarez. I am a 32 year old Hispanic, born and raised in Spanish Harlem. Being raised in Spanish Harlem I was guided by the "spirit of this age" )"The spirit which now worketh in children of disobedience." Ephesians 2:1); which cause me to grow up seeing only one - the negative - side of life. It was truly, and evil spirit the drove me. Just like it drives all the unsaved and unbelievers. I am a living witness of how very real the "forces of darkness" are, how they control the very beings of those who deny Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Today I can testify that the Devil, most assuredly, does exist; and is out to deceive the world and drive souls straight to hell.

I grew up desiring "the fast life." (Psalms 37:35,36) I was hungry for peace and joy; yet. It was nowhere to be found. I got involved with so-ca;;ed friends who introduced me to the "Drug Game." And at a very young age, I not only began selling drugs, but using them as well. The "Game" brought me money, women, cars, and jewelry. It also brought about a hatred and lust that was driving me beyond all reason, simply because I was still empty. The hate caused me to become very violent about everything and the lust caused me to seek after more women, more money, and more things. I was young, stupid, and blind. Because of the life I was leading, I ended up going to trial for robbery. I was convicted and sentenced to 6 years to life. During my sentencing, I remember looking back and seeing my father in the courtroom. Tears were flowing from his eyes and a look of pain on his face, words could not describe.

I was then transferred upstate and I entered State Prison with the same "Street Life" attitude. I was stressed out; full of hate and bitterness. Prison life fell in step with my street life as far as drugs and violence were concerned. I felt as if the whole world had turned on me. I continued to seek a way to escape. (Proverbs 14:21) I lived this life really believing that it would fill the void. I failed to realize that the void in my heart was from the very beginning carved out by God; and it was in the shape of the cross. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Then came a time in my life that I was transferred to Sing Sing Correctional Facility. I was there for about ten months. There I met a prisoner by the name of Richard Gomez. Richard was not a Christian, but he was always carrying around a small New Testament in his back pocket. He ionce tried to tell me how, when he was younger, he was batized in the Holy Ghost. I told him: "Good, but that's not for me." One day Richard said: "Let's go to church." I said: "Not me!" But he would not take "N" for an answer. He kept insisting and insisting. Then he had one of our friends act like he was going to church too. I agreed to go - on the condition that we all went, "as if just to hang out." Little did I know that it was all God's plan. Once in church our friend left the chapel without my being aware. I attempted to get up and leave. Richard took hold of my arm and said: "We're already here, so let's stay. I was reluctant, but the way he said it, convinced me to stay. God was working. When the preacher began to bring the message, the peace I longed for fell upon me. The message seemed strictly for me. God was speaking to my sin- sick, hungry soul.

Right there, in that small chapel at Sing Sing, I met Him whom Moses and the prophets wrote about. I met Him who died on the cross at Calvary for my sins, and the sins of the world. There I met Jesus of Nazareth. That day I found the peace that I had searched for all my life. I was no longer blind. Jesus entered my soul and Jesus came into my life that day in1993.

Jesus pulled off a double miracle that day. He saved Richard as well. Richard has been home now for over two years! He is married, blessed, and preaching the gospel. HALLELUJAH!!!

It has been almost four years since Jesus came into my life. One of the most joyful moments came when I told my father: "Dad, I gave my life to Jesus." He rejoiced and cried, but this time his tears were tears of joy. HALLELUJAH!!! (Luke 15:7)

In the place of hate, He gave me joy. In the place of stress, He gave me peace and joy. Praise the Lord!!! There was a lot of peer pressure, but the Lord delivered me from everything. God is good. God is great. He gave me boldness, in the place of fear. My friends did not agree, but they have come to respect my decision, and my new life in Christ. (1 Corinthians 5:17) They have seen how He can change a person's life.

The Lord gives you boldness and victory when you make a decision to serve Him. In his Epistle to the Romans, Paul. The Apostle, declared: "As it is written, behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling block and rock of offense; whosoever believeth in Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:33) He will not let His children be put to shame. Jesus saves, delivers, heals, and keeps whoever repents and comes to Him seeking salvation. AMEN!!!

Now the Lord uses me as a vessel to minister to the needs of people: of His people. I once was blind, but now I see.. (John 9:25) I have been incarcerated for five years, but I am free in Christ. HALLELUJAH!!! Jesus said: "Ye shall know te truth, and the truth shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:32&36)

The Lord has truly set me free. I am confident that He will also complete the good work He has begun in me until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phillipians 1:6)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Because of Jesus Christ,

Brother Jose Alverez

1 Corinthians 13:8