From The United Nations To The Cross

It was one of the most exciting moments of my young life. I was only sixteen years old at the time. I had been selected as one of thirty students in my state to study at the United Nations in New York City. Students from throughout North America would gather there for conferences and consultations about world peace. It was a once in a life opportunity to meet with other key young leaders from the U.S. and Canada and be immersed into international politics.

I knew that there would be an oratorical contest in which the students would speak on world peace during the study period. I had been trained in public speaking. I set my sights on winning the contest. I learned to speak a brief phrase about world peace in the official five languages of the United Nations. I opened my speech by speaking in five languages. My strategy worked. I was awarded "Most Outstanding Youth Speaker in North America." Following that, I traveled around North America speaking about peace in the world. There was only one problem. I had no peace in my own heart.

After graduating from high school, I found myself wandering aimlessly through life. I was attending Louisiana State University on two scholarships. I was being rushed by a number of fraternities. I was going to parties every weekend. I had a great future, lots of friends, and everything a young person could want. But I didn't have peace in my heart or purpose in my life.

One night I went to church with my girlfriend. A young man was speaking about Jesus. He talked about how Christ had changed his life. He was from a completely opposite background than me. His mother gave him away when he was six weeks old. He didn't have a supportive family like I had. He didn't have the educational opportunities that I had. But he had something that I didn't have. He had peace, purpose and joy in his life. He said that it came from a personal relationship with God through Jesus.

That night I prayed for the first time. I mean I really prayed - not just said prayers. I poured my heart out to God. I confessed to Him that I had failed Him miserably. I turned away from my self centeredness. I placed my faith in Jesus as God's Son and the Savior from my sins. When I got up from my knees, I was completely changed. It was a miracle. Some of my friends couldn't believe the change in my life. One friend said, "Sammy, I'll give you three weeks and you'll be back to the same old way of life."

It's been 32 years since I prayed that prayer. I've never turned back. I've found that peace, joy, and purpose for which I was searching as a young person. Life has meaning. It's an adventure. Since then, I have traveled to over 50 nations with the message of how to find real peace in life. My journey began at the United Nations in New York City studying about peace. It eventually led me to consider an old rugged cross outside of Jerusalem 2000 years ago. There hung the most unique human being to ever walk the face of this planet. He was all God and yet all man. The Bible calls Him the Son of God and at the same time - the son of man. His name is Immanuel, which means, "God with us."

After I placed my faith in Jesus, I found true peace - peace with God, peace with myself, and peace with others. I know that what Jesus did for me, He can do for you. If you don't have peace in your heart, then place your faith in Jesus. If you will believe in Him, then His Spirit will come into your heart, and He will forgive your sins and change your life. Jesus loves you. He died for your sins. He arose from the grave three days later. If you're willing to turn from your sinful ways and place your faith in Jesus, then you can experience His peace and purpose in life.

If you would like to know Christ and have this peace in your life, then pray this prayer or one similar to it using your own words. But pray sincerely. Pray in faith.

"Dear God, I know that I have sinned and failed you. I'm so sorry. I turn from my sins. Thank you for sending Jesus to die to take the punishment for my sins. I believe in Jesus. I believe that He is your Son. I believe He died and rose from the dead three days later. Come into my life and save me. Thank you. I love you. I give you my life. Make me the person you want me to be. Thank you for forgiving my sins. In Jesus name I pray."

If you prayed that prayer, then drop us a note and let us know. We will be praying for you.

God bless you.