‘God have mi back’
MAY PEN, Clarendon: A NEAR-DEATH experience coupled with the fear of dying without Christ caused Samantha Campbell-Minott to get saved and be baptised at 12 years old.
“When I was in high school, my family usually go on a beach trip during the holidays. My aunt, who was to go to America during that time, was denied the visa, so she was on the trip. While floating in the water, I drifted, and when I realised I wasn’t hearing anyone, I flipped over and found myself in difficulties, and my aunt swam to my rescue and saved me,” she recalled of the horrifying experience. “Now, many persons may think that being denied the visa was the Devil’s doing, but God had a plan for me because if she had not been there that day, I can tell you I would not be here today,” Campbell-Minott shared with Family and Religion.
Since then, she says that there have been many times that she has felt like giving up. “I often wonder if God is with me or if He is even hearing me and why it is that the plans I have for myself are not working out the way I want them to, but I learnt to wait on Him because His time is not my time.”
She noted that one of the best things about being part of God’s army is the thrill that she feels when she gathers for worship with the wonderful people of God. “Every day I see God manifested in a new way, and when I read the scriptures, I learn new things, and that is how I know He’s with me. It gives me a sense of belonging, knowing that I am not my own but that I belong to God, so I don’t have to worry too much because I know God have mi back!” she exclaimed.
EVANGELISING TO PEOPLE
Campbell-Minott attends May Pen and Sandy Bay Baptist churches and is involved in the singing ministry as well as with the May Pen Community Chorale, which is a non- denominational classical choir. She is also a member of the sports ministry department, which is a new initiative with the aim of evangelising to members of the community through sports. She is also a member of the Youth for Change group based in Clarendon.
“Staying true to my walk in Christendom is not easy because I face many challenges, including constantly remembering that only what is done for Christ will last. Remaining vigilant in the faith and studying the word of God and praying without ceasing is also one of my biggest issues.”
To those who are on the Christian journey, Campbell-Minott urges them not to lose hope but to remain steadfast in God and His word. “Sometimes the road may seem rough and it may seem to lead nowhere, but the moment when you don’t feel like it, is the moment you should try the hardest. Don’t pay much attention to hypocrisy. Just always remember that God is the ultimate judge, and He will never give you more than you can bear.”
She also encouraged the unsaved to give Christ a chance in their lives. “Your situation does not determine your outcome, and whatever challenges you may face, remember that God can turn it around for you because He has done it for me.”