THE FORGER'S FREEDOM (PART 6: MINISTERING TO OTHERS)

The same guy who gave me my first forgery job called me after my rededication to Christ. He told me that many 400-level students wanted to sign and stamp their Industrial Training workbooks just like I had done before. Word had gone out that there was someone who had the stamp, and he said I could make a lot of money from it.

I told him through a chat platform that I had repented and wasn’t involved in such things anymore.
He replied, “Ekpo, forget this your repentance… we know… just do this thing!”

He thought I was joking because everyone already knew I was a ‘Christian,’ so he couldn’t take my new conviction seriously. When I stood my ground, he insisted on seeing me face-to-face. When we finally met, he was shocked that I had truly turned down the offer.

Reflecting On My Past

Looking back now, I don’t know what I would have become — obviously someone who did evil and helped others do the same. I even used to sign my father’s signature on documents when required, and sometimes my brother’s too.

At the time, I saw it as a harmless hobby. Whether I was paid or not, I just enjoyed doing it. I could even say to people jokingly, “I’m a freelancer in signature forgery (replication).” That’s how casual sin had become to me.

A Powerful Encounter With The Holy Spirit

One day, while listening to an audio message with my friend E.B., we literally felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room. We began to prophesy about our family members, giving them instructions from the Lord, and even received personal directions ourselves.

E.B. was told by the Holy Spirit to be bold when preaching to people. Later that evening, we went out to witness, and we prayed for a sick person who got healed that same day!

Lessons In Obedience

The Holy Spirit also used another friend of mine to teach me about obedience. She had been owed a certain sum of money for over three months and was angry, planning to pray against her debtor. But the Holy Spirit told her instead to pray for the person’s peace of mind — and she obeyed.

The next time she called to ask about the debt, she was told to come and collect her money. That simple act of obedience became a great lesson to me.

God’s Voice And Presence

While listening again to an audio message at home, I felt the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. I broke down in tears and prayed silently that I would not become a castaway after all that God had done in my life.

Immediately, I heard the Lord’s voice saying, “Just obey. Learn, don’t rush.” Multiple confirmations followed after that.

I used to think that the power of God could only be experienced in church meetings, but now I understand that His presence goes beyond any location or gathering. His presence is real and inexplicable.