GIL PETRE
As a child I was broken from Christ when an adult took it upon himself to use me sexually.  At that time secrets and lies became a part of my life.

Growing up the abuse continued.  I could not make it stop.  I also felt God didn't not love me, that I was bad, because if He loved me, He would have answered my prayers to make it stop.  Such a liar is Satan to be able to make a child think that God does not love Him.

I grew up confused and always feeling like 2 people.  The one I showed the world.  And the one I felt inside of me.  I did not like either one of them.

Attempts at suicide failed.  I'd always believed in God and in His love.  It was just that I also brought into the lies of Satan.  As an adult, I married and had a family.  Things from the outside appeared well.  New home, new cards, good job.  But inside I was still falling apart. 

Then as an adult I committed the unthinkable.  I did to another what was done to me.

I was sent to prison.  It was there in prison at the age of 40 that my life began to change since my secrets and lies were now exposed I called upon God for His forgiveness.  Confess one to another.  For once in my life I had hope. 

Although I would go through many more trials I was OK.  Because I knew God loved me, because He sent His Son Jesus to die for my transgressions. 

So today I stand before you with the knowledge that Satan is a liar and that God loves each one of you no matter what your sin.  Satan will tell you you're the only one, there is no hope for you. 

But there is hope.  For God loves all His people.  He has taken the evil of my life and used it to help others.  He will do the same for you.  You only need to ask.  Jesus loves you and so do I.