On March 6, 2005, I went to Emmanuel Praise Church to see my husband, who worked for Angel Food Ministries through the Alcovy Diverson Center. I was high and did not want to go in. My husband persisted until I finally gave in and walked through the doors.

That night I was totally changed. When I entered the sanctuary Pastor Linda looked at me and for the first time in my life I was ashamed of being high. I wanted to change and didn't like the way I was living. The anointing Pastor Linda has intrigued me and kept me coming back to church week after week.

Then one day, on May 29, 2005 a guest speaker held the morning service. At the end of her message she gave an alter call. I had no intention of going down; I was waiting to go home so I could have my beer and a joint. God had other plans for me though. Pastor Sandy kept the alter call open. She kept saying, “I know there is someone in here who has built a wall so high and you've purposed not to let anyone through to your heart.” She would not close the service. I felt so convicted; I knew it was me she was talking about. I was gripping the back of the chair in front of me so tight my knuckles were white. I did not want to surrender.

Finally, Pastor Sandy came and stood in front of me and said, “You can trust him. I just can't close the service until you yield to Him.” When she said those words I heard a voice say, “She knows it's you.” I think I knocked two or three chairs out of the way to get to the altar as I finally gave in.

I know in my heart that the Lord led me to Emmanuel Praise and to Pastor Linda. I remember looking at Pastor Linda and for the first time in my heart God let me know that she is for real, she walks in the spirit.

On June 22, 2005, I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. On May 29, 2005 my new life began and there is not a day that goes by that the first thing I do when I wake up is say I love you Abba, thank you for leading me to Emmanuel Praise and to Pastor Linda .

I always tell my family when they try to convince me that it is alright to take a drink of wine with my meal what Pastor Linda told me. She explained to me when you can do what God did and turn a glass of water into wine then it will be alright to drink it. She also told me that my body is the temple of God.

I know that Jesus is alive inside of me and I love the life I am living now. There is nothing on this earth that could make me go back to that old lifestyle. When I get to heaven I will be at the feet of Jesus being taught by him, not on the back row somewhere. I feel like I ask Pastor Linda too many questions sometimes, but she always answers me with the love of God in her voice. I love my Church and Pastors - all of them. But I know God sent me to Pastor Linda. When you know you know, you know.

Thank you,
Gloria Bordeaux