Jesus Said: FOLLOW ME, not I'll follow you.
I was called while in a near death experience on Santa Monica Bch. Cal. when I was 23. At that time, I stuttered so bad I couldn't talk and the Lord said- "One day you'll speak for Me" and now I do. My first 40yr journey with the Lord ended on Negril Bch, Jamaica when I turned 64, Sept. 30, 2015. I have now started the next 40yr journey. •For more on my calling at 23, please visit: http://foundationsforlife.org/the_minister.php
I believe, when you read this story you’ll be better equipped to boldly face your life tribulations. If this story strengthens you, I invite you to join me in Christians HELPING Christians. I give GOD the glory knowing all good comes from above!
Its July 2000 and while in prayer, the LORD told me to retire from Motivational Speaking and prepare for ministry. I’m 48 at the time and live in a million dollar home in San Diego Ca. It was a mountain top home where you could see the sun-rise over the mountains and the sun-set in the ocean. At times I would wake up and the clouds were below my home and the birds were flying at eye level. It was breathe taking! I had live in help, full time personal driver and Limousine for travel. It was a charmed life. I was being paid $2500+ hr to speak and just grossed $58,000 dollars in speaking fees the previous month. (best so far) Not bad for a high school dropout who stuttered so bad my family and friends just laughed and mocked me.
At 48, I was living what Joel Osteen calls- “Your Best Life Now” however I lovingly left it all behind because of what happened on Santa Monica Bch, 25yrs earlier.
Being obedient, I sold all my books, audio-video tapes, furniture and left this beautiful home on Sept 30, 2000, (my 49th birthday) never thinking I would be without a home for 15yrs. I never imagined I was beginning a journey that would soon break my heart, bust my dreams, empty my bank account, injury kept me from walking for 18mon, throat surgery hinder me from speaking for 3 yrs and cancer almost kill me. As it was all happening, the Holy Spirit compelled me to read the Book of Job seeking answers for my troubled life. Thru Gods Grace, I found the answers and I know God allowed this to happen to me so I would be better equipped to HELP and teach other Christians how to walk in HIS PEACE, no matter their life situation.
Looking back: I can see my Book of Job experience started with a back injury that prevented me from walking for 18 months. At the same time my new marriage was ending in divorce and bladder cancer was threatened to kill me. When all that was overcome, I had to have emergency throat surgery and that alone kept me from properly speaking for another 2yrs, compromising my commercial smile and hindering me from earning income. And finally, I needed emergency surgery to remove a gall stone threatening to burst my gall bladder. A total of 6 operations, each one uniquely more serious than the other. (wow)
TODAY, I am Divinely Healed of cancer, my heart is healed from divorce, my body is now strong again, my life calling is FULLY RESTORED and I’m wiser and stronger inChrist. As Paul said: “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me”. I firmly believe when we do WHAT JESUS SAID in the 4 Gospels we learn more about GOD and with GOD, all things are possible, all the time, for those who have FAITH and led by the Holy Spirit. - amen
Here’s the last 15yrs of my 40yr JOURNEY
and the lessons learned from the Book of Job.
2001 to 2004: Its Oct. 2001 and I’ve left my home, sold my belongings and I’m staying alone in a Hotel where I’ve started composing my book “What Did Jesus Say”. On Jan 7, 2002, I got up thinking I would be finishing the editing of my book when my mom called saying my dad just had a stroke. He died 30 days later and I returned home (after being gone for 18yrs) to help my mom and as it turned out, share the last 3yrs of her life with her too.
She lived in the country and while I was there I surrounded her fence line with 1000 white lights that lit up the last 1000 nights of her life. I also have a disabled sister who lived with my parents for 10yrs so I promised my mother I would oversee her care. She is presently doing well and enjoying life in a Veterans Home. My mother died 4 months after attending my marriage in Jan 2005. When my mother died, I was there to breathe in, her last breathe of life as she gave me- my first breathe of life. It was clearly divinely designed and I give God the Glory.
Looking back: I never regretted returning home to spend time with my mother. She was a Christian Woman and it showed in everything she said and did. I lovingly made sure the ending of her life was peaceful, restful and fulfilling. I wasn’t able to visit my mom while my dad was alive. It was 18yrs since I was last in her home so It was a divine blessing to have this special time with my mom. She raised me on the ‘red- letters’ in the King James Bible and was deeply touched by my book dedicated to her. During this loving experience with my mother, my book was on hold and I continued focusing on the 4 Gospel, asking God for wisdom, strength and courage to fulfill His Will.
Even though It would be 10 more years before my book would be published,
never lost FAITH and I never stopped learning about JESUS.
2005 thru 2007: I got married in Jan 2005 to a most special woman. We were in love 20yrs earlier so to me, it was a Godsend and during the next 2yrs I helped her reorganize her life by selling 2 businesses and one ocean bch property that was burdening her from her late husbands unexpected death. They were his projects and she was left unprepared and was behind in maintenance, rent collections etc. Now before I start, let me say ONE THING: I specifically asked her before marriage- “if we ever find our marriage in trouble, lets agree to seek a Christian Counselor (of her choice) who taught from NT Scripture. She did agree to my request however later refused when we were being tested.
On with the story. As I was completing her outstanding obligations so we could begin ministry, I could tell our marriage was becoming filled with different emotions that seem to violate logic, intelligence and Christian love.
In hindsight, I can lovingly say, I believe she was going thru her ‘change of life’ and no one saw it coming. Her attacks were unfounded, her decisions were unhealthy. She was rich too, so at times she was “emotionally dangerous”. The one thing she feared most (before we got married) was someone getting injured on her commercial property and suing her. Sure enough- “what we fear most comes upon us”, and I get injured on her property April 07. She hires a lawyer 60 days later whose phone begins with “666” and WE never talk privately again. We were divorced in early 2009. I did learn its impossible for a true Christian Marriage to fail, it can only fail to be a true Christian Marriage. And the Book of Job begins.
Looking back: I was emotionally upset, I couldn’t walk and was in constant pain from the back injury. I had no where to live and no money available either. At times, I was mad, sad and lonely however I never doubted Gods Will was being done, I just couldn’t recognize it. What helped the most was keeping my ‘mind in order’ and I didn’t act up or lash out at anyone. I stood FIRM and kept the FAITH (as Paul says) never doubting my calling or blaming God. I soon found myself staying at my daughters and friends homes while waiting for surgeries without realizing it was called “couch surfing’. I’m still doing it today and pray it will end soon.
2008 thru 2010: I’m now living among family, friends and hotels. I can’t work and my daughter and friends are financially helping me during this most difficult time. I would endure the rest of 2007 in pain because of 2 different surgery cancellations with the VA. I finally get surgery Nov 08. and start walking again. Then, before the divorce is final, I’m told I have the worst case of bladder cancer the doctors ever seen and they want to immediately remove my bladder and attached it to the outside of my stomach, thereby changing the rest of my life. NOW THIS IS TOO MUCH and I can feel DEEP PRAYER is needed. I agreed to endure 3 surgeries to clean out the cancer however there was nothing they could do to ‘treat the cancer' in the bladder. I needed to take out my bladder OR seek “divinely healed”. During this time, my divorce becomes final and I am truly alone in life so I decided to seek Divine Healing. I went to Negril Jamaica (where I had been before) and created a LIFE WALK program based on the words of Jesus and those who were healed by HIM. I also fasted and stayed in prayer for 21 days while reading the NT. When I returned to my cancer doctors March 2011, they examined me and released me ‘cancer free’ saying there was no need for me to return.
Looking back: I don’t have the words to explain how difficult my life was during the 18 months of back pain and not being able to walk, combined with heart ache coming from an unexplainable marriage breakup. I had no home, no money and being told I would die from cancer in 3-5yrs, all at the same time. It was very stressful and my family and friends started to look at me differently wondering whats really going on in my life. It was the same in the Book of Job story so I was prepared. BTW - “I recently had a follow up examination in 2016, (5yrs later) complete with MRI’s of my entire upper body organs (chest X-rays too) and it ALL came back healthy and highly functional”. God is Good.
The Book of Job continues
2011 thru 2014: Its March 2011, I’m now Divinely Healed however my body is still very weak from 4 operations and I have very little vitality. Its now time to finish my book, get it published, return to the Speaking Platform and start earning income. The experience of the previous 4yrs left me financially bankrupt yet ‘spiritually rich’. My first book was released in black and white. The self-publishing company assured me it couldn’t be printed in full color. It was so unattractive I was compelled by the Spirit to research the solution. It would take another year however I was blessed to print a full color book with the words from Jesus in red ink. It was self-published in late 2012 and is now available in Paperback, ePub, Kindle and AudioBook formats AND available online to preview and purchase. The ‘Book of Job’ continues
Looking back: By the Grace of God, my book “What Did Jesus Say” was finally published 10yrs after I first thought it would. Its important to never give up on our calling because Gods involved. While, I was struggling to regain my health and vitality to return to work, suddenly a gland swells up in my throat requiring me to have emergency surgery. What was promised to be simple surgery turned out to be terrible. I had no idea at the time it would interfere in my ability to basically smile and talk. It also hindered me from returning to professionally speaking and earning income. This unexpected throat surgery drained my energy differently than all 4 previous operations and my balance was off for over 2yrs afterwards. No one but me and God knew how weak I walked and talked. However, I still went out and visited over 150 different Churches and bookstores knowing the difficulties I had with walking and talking. Once again, I never doubted my calling or Gods Will. I was very familiar with the Book of Job story by now so I stayed in peaceful prayer, always asking God for more strength, wisdom and courage to keep walking forward in HIS GRACE. It was after all this that the Holy Spirit guided me to focus on the ‘internet’ to HELP Christians worldwide, all the time.
January to July 2015: I am slowly regaining my strength as I begin the year at my daughters and start learning about online Christians. I begin by fulfilling WHAT JESUS SAID in Matthew 28:18-20 by posting messages on my FB page, in FB Christian Groups and on Twitter. I decided to not ask to be FB friends with others but primarily ‘post messages’ from my book "What Did Jesus Say" and welcome everyone who comes to me to be FB friends. This way, I’ll build my FB page around CHRISTIANS sent by the Holy Spirit.
I understand the tares and recognize them quickly by their words and actions. I’ve met many loving Christians worldwide online and I've also met some liars, gossipers and evil doers too, all calling themselves christians. We can only be protected by ‘praying and obeying’ the Holy Spirit as we walk inChrist towards holiness in all things.
August 2015: I was blessed with a friend who offered to HELP ME return to Negril for 90 days and focus on health, strength and practice speaking on camera for teaching online. I also wanted to experience living there for more than 3 weeks at a time. I had visited Negril over 12 times during the precious 5yrs. Each time seeking health, study and life restoration to return to publicly teaching again.
I presently have over 100 locals who are my true spiritual family as I am theirs. I didn’t realize it at the time I would be turning 64 in Negril and it would mark 40yrs Walking with the MASTER. That alone was a very breathtaking experience and I’ve not been the same since.
I FEEL CALLED to live in Negril. I have a local ministry there and can work ONLINE posting video messages each evening using the beautiful sunset as the background and the calm ocean for morning messages of love and encouragement.
Sept. 2015: I finally started to talk again on camera. It was tearful and nerving and my birthday too, at the same time. I turned 64 making it 40yrs since I first met the Lord on the Beach in Santa Monica and now The Lord reminds me I’m on the beach in Negril Jamaica. (my spiritual home) IT WAS ALL DIVINE DESIGN. I had no previous knowledge weeks earlier I would even be in Negril on my birthday. ONLY GOD KNEW because GOD KNOWS ALL THINGS. I know I crossed over and and can stand all day talking on camera or on stage with a microphone. Its only a matter of time, practice and performances that will perfect my presentation and Gods Spirit will deliver the love and truth. - amen
Oct to Nov 2015: I spent this time learning about ‘life in Negril’. I created a daily schedule that included prayer, exercise, study, teaching online and fellowshipping with locals to HELP them understand What Jesus Said. It took time for me to learn to be relaxed again on video. I had to spend time practicing my pronunciation of certain words that were more difficult to say since my throat surgery. I was talking out of the ‘side of my mouth’ instead of speaking direct. With Gods Peace and my practice, its getting better each day.
December 2015: I’ve returned from Negril to renew my passport and spend Christmas with my daughter, expecting to return before yearend. My health has been restored, my body weight is the best in 20yrs and my vitality was returning. My desire to return to Negril to live and be in Ministry is 100%. While there, I have no need to own a home, car, fancy clothes, jewelry or high insurance to protect my lifestyle. I have a special friend who leases condos and I’m offered a fully furnished condo on the beach for half the costs of living in my city. I’m single, healthy, restored and retired from the good life. I don’t have any savings or assets but I do work for God and I know HE will supply all my needs thru the Christians I’m HELPING. All I desire is to serve God in all I think, say and do and HELP Christians worldwide online - walk confidently inChrist. The word H-E-L-P stands for: Helping Everyone Live Peacefully inCHRIST.
Lets consider what JESUS SAID:
On family and friends, JESUS SAID: Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
On Discipleship, JESUS SAID: A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
JESUS SAID: “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. - The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. - If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.- If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away- If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. And This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends, if you do whatever I command you.
When we know and do WHAT JESUS SAID, the Holy Spirit guides us thru our tribulations. It matters not what difficulties we face in life because we have GOD working thru us as we walk inChrist. No matter what happened to me along the way I had an example to follow and that made it easier. As a CHRISTIAN, I’ve learned, if we do WHAT JESUS SAID, a way will be made that will make us stronger inChrist knowing GOD takes cares of our needs and knows our situation so we’re never alone. Wherever we go and wherever we are, GOD’s there too.- Amen
Lets discuss the ‘Book of Job’ story: I was in prayer (early on) about all this tribulation in my life and I asked God if I deserved this and wondered IF I compromised my calling at 23.
The ONE THING we know, Job didn’t was: God approved of Job’s tribulation and allowed Job to be tested by satan. (1st) God allowed satan to take everything Job had that made him the richest man on earth including the killing of his children. (2nd) God then allowed satan to attack Jobs body but not kill him. While Job was suffering with his body covered in boils (after already losing everything) his ‘wife and friends’ finally turned against Job. Even Job had a moment of doubt and then- God spoke to him. When it was all said and done- satan lost to God and Job’s friends brought gifts to Job in their humility and in the end, Job had twice as much as he first started. God is Good!
I KNOW MY CALLING is real because its been defining my life from that moment at 23 on Santa Monica Bch. I stand firm on my lessons learned during the last 15yrs. since retiring as a Motivational Speaker. While composing my book I read the NT ‘several times’ and the 4 Gospels separately ‘many times’. I also studied the beginning of the church (the first 100yrs) when it was called the Way and the making of the Bible in 300AD as well as the many changes in the church that we take for granted today. Many changes that men did, that GOD rejects. The Book of Job story gave me the courage to face and endure whatever ‘tribulations’ came my way as a test to prove me worthy of my calling, as it was with Job. ALL that once weakened me, has now strengthen me and I give GOD THE GLORY and deeply in my heart I say- Amen and Amen
I offer my testimony, Walking with The Master and 40yrs of experiences and wisdom gained to HELP Christians worldwide better understand WHAT JESUS SAID. When we know and do WHAT JESUS SAID in the 4 Gospels, the Holy Spirit will lead us forevermore fulfilling God’s Will in all we think, say and do.
A NEW JOURNEY IS BEGINNING and YOU'RE INVITED
Foundations For Life Ministries: showing the WAY by the WORD.
Its now 40yrs later and I’m teaching online to ALL Christians based on the WORDS from JESUS, just like JESUS SAID I would. My video posts and blogs are ALL devoted to HELP Christians worldwide, walk inChrist according to WHAT JESUS SAID.
I PRESENTLY post to 100 Christian Groups 3x daily. We just started a group called THE WAY so we can begin to ‘connect Christians’ to HELP one another in their daily needs and strengthen them to prepare, embrace and endure the END-TIMES mentioned in the Book of Revelation. I meet Christians online everyday who need direction to read their bible on purpose with purpose. Many think they’re Christians and have never ‘repented’ nor read the 4 Gospels. They know of Jesus but truly don’t know Jesus. This is caused by pastors and evangelists who poorly teach or inform others about Jesus. When more Christians find out what JESUS SAID then more Christians will be doing what JESUS SAID and God will be pleased.
I INVITE YOU to HELP support our ministry with your ‘prayers and gifts’ so I can continue HELPING all Christians. My life is simple and my needs are small. I’ve already 'had it all' in earthly terms. Now I’m devoting my life to HELPING others find peace inChrist. I presently teach and counsel individuals and churches worldwide thru Skype Video. I have churches waiting for me to commit to teach weekly and all this can be done without leaving my home. I humble ask for your HELP. Please Visit: http://foundationsforlife.org/#helping
May HIS WORDS and LOVE,
be in all we think, say and do.
Who is Rev. Terry A. Christian?
He’s a former Inspirational Speaker and Executive Trainer with over 20 years experience giving more than 2,500 presentations to audiences across America and Canada. Several years ago, Terry retired as a public speaker after feeling the Holy Spirit redirecting his life.
While in prayer, he was told to create a book containing only the words of Jesus. A book that would teach Believers, without interpretations, opinions or commentary. It would take him 12 years to complete the book,
What Did Jesus Say .... The Seven Messages from the Master.
It's now in full color- Print, eBook and Audiobook, formats.
Today, he counsels individuals and couples seeking a more mature understanding of their relationship with Jesus Christ. His life is now dedicated to helping his brothers and sisters inChrist, live in a never-ending state of peace, love, and forgiveness, as followers of Jesus Christ. Terry believes after repentance and Baptism, this was the message Jesus taught; and teaching The Way, by The Word is the cornerstone of his ministry.