Anthony Franklin (top left) has gone from a life of pleasure to a life of purpose.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17

God is sovereign. God either makes something happen or allows it to happen for His plan and purpose. As people, we can either choose to believe that God is working for our good in each and every situation or we can become bitter at our circumstances. I chose the latter.

I’ve never met my biological father. I’m not sure where he is or what he is doing right now. I was jealous that my friends had awesome dads when I didn’t even know my dad’s middle name. Eventually, I became very bitter, and my bitterness led me to other sins as a teen. The bitterness turned into fits of rage many times, and also led to my arrogance. I wanted everyone to see how great I was in order to cover up my insecurity. I would do anything to boost my image. I used women to boost my image. The clubs I went to boosted my image. Being on the basketball team boosted my image. I was very good at cutting people down with my words too. My friends loved when I slandered someone because it was funny to them. I wanted to be seen as a good guy so I even started going to church for my image. It all worked too!! I was extremely popular and yet I still was not at all happy.

I entered college with my insecurity still driving me. I joined a fraternity on campus at Wichita State University. At this point, any morals I lived by were gone. I lived the college life for awhile, living in the moment and for pleasure. I still called myself a Christian and those around me considered me one but I knew I was a hypocrite. I was a Pharisee of Pharisees without any of their righteousness. A brother and dear friend shared his faith with me on campus and invited me to study the Bible and to really get open about my life. I began to see, through the Bible, how far away from God I really was. Indeed, I considered myself the worst of sinners. But even for a wicked man like myself, Jesus showed me unlimited patience as an example to the world. I repented and was baptized in 2002!!!

I believe so many young people are like I was in high school and college: motivated by pleasures, emotions and lies from Satan. When God saved me, he gave me a purpose. I had never had a purpose in life. Young people have such great vision- such great dreams! And that ancient serpent, the devil, wants to crush those dreams.
God has incredible plans for young people here in Chicago! My vision for our youth is clear. My desire is to build a fellowship of young men and women that are loyal to God first and foremost but also loyal to one another. This family, because of their love for God, will preach the word fearlessly to each and every single high school and college campus. God has great dreams for the next generation. Prayerfully, our ministry will live each one of those dreams out!!!

For the Kingdom,
Anthony Franklin

Categories: Testimonials