Higher Stakes Testimony: Susanne

My mentor's name is Karen Wilkinson. The sin of gambling began when I was on a six-month sick leave from my workplace. A longtime friend took me to the casino for a little fun, and that's how my gambling started. I did slot machine gambling only. I've been a Christian since Dec., 1980. The gambling was fun at first, and then I couldn't seem to leave it alone. I became in bondage to casino gambling. I lied to my spouse and pretended to go to church when I went to the casino. I used money I did not have couldn't afford. I was secretive and maxed out two credit cards. I became indifferent to the things of God, and did not care what other Christians or anybody else thought of me. I did not care that I was a bad example to my former clients or colleagues. I rationalized my behavior and figured that since God loves me it would be okay. I began to be extremely tired and depressed all the time. One day I was to be at a revival meeting in early Aug., 2005, and had some money I was to put in the offering. I had two hours before it began and I decided to go to the casino to pass the time away. I spent all that money there. I smelled very bad from the cigarette smoke, and was so ashamed that I had done it again. I drove home thinking I did not desrve to go to church. Then God spoke to me by saying "Be holy for I am holy" I was convicted of my sins of gambling. The next day I called the Miracle Channel in Lethbridge, AB, for prayer. They gave me this website, Setting Captives Free. I was ready to turn from the gambling and began the course. Through the course, I learned to cut off everything having to do with gambling. I repented of my sin, asked God for forgiveness and did everything that was required of me in the course. I learned to be accountable to my spouse and another Christian from my church, our cell group leader. I detested accountability before I began the course, but I learned that it was very good for me to do. After all, I had been very irresponsible. God delivered me from gambling by using this program along with a lot of Scripture from the Holy Bible, and prayer. People prayed for me, for which I am very grateful. I am so thankful that I had a mentor who prayed for me. I learned to drink from the Living Water instead of the filthy waters of gambling. Now I have been set free from gambling since Aug.16, 2005, when I began this course. I am happy and know that I don't have to be in bondage to habitual sin anymore - that Jesus Christ does set people free. I am consistent in reading the Word of God and praying with my spouse and with others. I worship God through song and dance. I pray for others, my grown children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, extended family, relatives, friends, and so on. I attend church regularly and fellowship with believers. I watch the sunrise almost every morning and praise God for another day. I am very grateful that God delivered me from sin and death. In the future, I can help others stop gambling and lead them to the One who can set them free.