My name is David. I am a 33 year old man from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. This is very diificult for me to inquire about and this is new territory for me. Pride is certainly a tough thing to deal with and I've never really had to ask for help. I am having struggles financially and I urgently need help. About five years ago I really set out to make something of myself, a self taught artist from a small town, I had been selling since I was 16. Small towns are peculiar and difficult to excel in. After years of trying to make a name for myself, I decided to go University. Selling artwork often does not bring in steady money. I completed one year of University and then in the summer of 2001, I was jumped by two drunk young guys I did not know on the street. This attack resulted in my being shoved through a 7 X 7 foot plate glass window. I suffered severe lacerations all over my body including a severed carotoid artery. I almost died. Thankfully God spared me with no apparent side effects (except maybe some brain damage he-he). This also led me to come to God (Pentecost).
This injury changed everything. I felt that after such an unprovoked and cruel attack, life owed me big time. I did not return to University, but I opened a small business (Repertory Cinema and Licensed Restaurant). How could I fail now? I had the business for two years and then we had a major flood in our city that closed the business. Insurance would have covered it but we did not get hit directly. Business across the city died immediatly. Since it was a new business I had little equity and could only hold on for so long.
The business closed in March 2005. This is where I gave my life to God. As soon as the doors of the business closed, God called me. I have preached on this subject and I feel that God has called me to be a preacher. One month after the loss of the business I received a settlement cheque for $27,000 from the accident. I put it in the bank and started working soon after. I realized that I would have to use that money as a buffer to counter my monthly payments. My monthly payments were roughly $2600. Over the last two years I have consolidated and whittled down as much as I can. I am a waiter at the moment. I have my monthly bills down to $2000, but I have just hit a seemingly impenitrable wall. I will run out of money in three weeks. The buffer money is all gone.
In one sense I am somewhat proud that I have been able to hold out for so long, but in another I am frightened because I have never been here before (probably right where God wants me-hemmed in like the Israelites). I have a business vehicle ($682 per/month) that I am leasing that has its lease coming up in Sept 17, 2007. Rent ($500per/month) and the consolidated business loan ($14,000) and $4500 in student loans being called on. I have been praying to God for nearly two years and the closer I get to this wall the more I have been praying (go figure). I absolutely believe in a miracle of God because I see no physical or mental means of escape. Only belief in the spiritual. At our church we have had many Vocal gifts of the Spirit in even small group settings including myself, in which God has spoken that He would tear down walls and barriers and remove the mountains and obstacles that block our paths in 2007. I believe in God's use of the vocal gifts as supported by scripture to be used for edification. God has truly worked in the miraculous in our church. I keep my Holy Spirit lifted with these thoughts but over the last two years I have watched my account go from $27,000 to $1000. I tithe regularilly and honestly. I am taking His Word and testing Him (Mal. 3:10).
On the personal level however I am feeling emotionally unstable. I dont know what to do. Pray without ceasing? I believe in miracles, I am one, but I have a hard time dealing with the fact that I have less now than I did five years ago. I have a beautiful girlfriend that I would love to be married to who is part of the church now also. I feel so immasculated that I cant afford to buy her a ring or get married to her let alone provide for her. How do I tackle my Goliath? I want him moved so badly. My testimony is still in the process of being written and may I someday use it as an inspiration to others.
Any advice or words of wisdom or of an uplifting nature?
All thing work together for good.
Thanks and God Bless.
David Friesen. friesenartworks@aol.com
