From darkness to light

It was my friends that first introduced me to it. I was then in JSS3 or SS1. It was grown at their backyard and they offered me some to take mixed in local gin. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent Prov 1:10(ESV).  After taking it the effect was not courage but drowsiness! They then introduced me to the one that is smoked.  That is how I started smoking marijuana. I left it alone when I completed my secondary school; but not for long. I relocated to Port Harcourt to learn a trade. Just like when Samson got to Gaza and hooked up with a harlot when I got there I made friends with some who smoked and I now became hooked on it. Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."1Cor 15:33(ESV).   I could challenge anyone I cared and wouldn’t give a damn. I felt I was liked for being very strong and having stamina but I noticed my master did not trust me as I expected. He preferred those who came in to learn the trade after me. I think he felt I was irresponsible because I smoked marijuana.

Someday after smoking something strange happened: fear suddenly gripped me! It got worse each time I smoked. I lost my peace and zest for life. The motorbike I bought for N135, 000 could not please me again, and I realised I was becoming unkempt- I who used to be very neat. No one could help me. I even went to the psychiatric hospital in Port Harcourt but the drugs they gave me made me feel I was behaving like a madman. I started feeling there was nothing to live for and decided to end it all. Battery acid was easily available and I bought N200 worth. On the day I selected to end it I dressed well and ate well. When I drank the acid it burned my mouth and throat. I shouted with pain and spewed it out. The shouts brought people around who met me on the floor. I did not die but was rushed to hospital and a tube put in my throat for breathing and another into the stomach through the skin to feed me. I could not so much as swallow saliva. For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."Rom 9:15(ESV) 

Following my discharge I went to my village and again met with smokers in the village square. When a preacher approached they fled from him because, as they said, he disturbs them a lot. I run from no man so I waited for him and he preached to me. The word pieced my heart and I received Jesus into my heart. I have been in the Lord a year now but some people think it is 4 years. I no longer smoke, and the fear has reduced so much; it is almost not there.  I avoid everything I know to be wrong; I have a strong desire for purity. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come 2Cor 5:17(ESV). I am praying to be filled with the Holy Spirit. That’s how I got to be in this condition. I had another surgery and 2 days ago I can now swallow saliva, though I use the tube for solid food.  

                                 Ejimofor  is a patient in ward 3 UNTH