PASTOR DAVID ELWIN

Keep The Faith (KTF): What motivated you to become a Christian?

PASTOR DAVID ELWIN (PDE): I have two friends who became Christians in 1999. At that time, I had been hooked on crack cocaine for about 15 years. When I saw their transformation – and the fact that they were telling me it was Jesus who had changed their lives and that He could change my life also – something on the inside of me desired what my friends had experienced. That was the trigger that saw me give my life to Christ two months later.

KTF: What was happening in your life when you made the decision to follow Christ?

PDE: My life, before I accepted Christ, was one of criminality and drug addiction. I was constantly in and out of prison from the age of 17 to the age of 32. I found it hard to be a father to my child at that time. My mental health was at an all-time low, with my doctor suggesting that I be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

KTF: What difference has becoming a Christian made in your life?

PDE: Becoming a Christian has enabled me to have a real sense of purpose, dignity and sense of destiny for the future, when once upon a time I felt like there was no hope for the future.

KTF: How has your faith influenced your career/ministry path?

PDE: My faith has influenced my ministry path through my personal relationship with God. Time spent disciplining myself in the Word of

PDE: Easter is always a timely reminder for me of the sacrifice and price Jesus paid to save me of my sins, and for Him to have had me in His thoughts and plans to redeem me. This is something I am mindful about daily as I am so grateful for my salvation.

KTF: Lastly, what are your hopes for 2023 where your faith and walk with God are concerned?

PDE: I have many hopes for 2023, however I continue to pray in faith for the reconciliation of my four children and my three grandchildren. I also want to disciple as many unto the Lord as He brings into my life this year.

KEEP THE FAITH (KTF): What motivated you to become a Christian?

MUYIWA OLAREWAJU (MO): My story of giving my life to Christ is a hilarious one. I wasn’t a popular kid, and the subject of people’s jokes. There was a chap I had known as a kid, who told me about a church where he could introduce me to girls. Rev Les Isaac, founder of Street Pastors, was at that time the youth pastor. The young people I met were so vibrant, confident, and loved Jesus madly, and were everything I thought I would like to be. I got involved in the youth group through that. I got to hear the Gospel preached and gave my life to Christ.

KTF: What was happening in your life when you made the decision to follow Christ?

MO: My life was in upheaval. I was experiencing economic hardship, emotional upheaval. I was away from my parents and living in a house with my siblings. It was difficult and really hard. I was 13 and working. My life was turned upside down on an Easter Monday. I had gone with the young people to a conference at the East London branch of the Apostolic church. I sat, listening to the preaching of the Gospel whilst thinking my feet stank! However, when the preacher invited people to accept Christ, I prayed the prayer and said: “Jesus, if You’re real, come into my life.” My life changed.