How One Habit Transformed My Life Forever

My heart pounded as I approached the hall, each beat like a small tremor. I remembered the powerful earthquakes that followed Mount Cameroon’s eruption—events that left cracks in walls and in worried families, and forever changed life in Buea. This time the shaking was internal: nervousness and uncertainty made me think I might be heading into something dangerous. Rumors about people being bewitched at certain gatherings made me hesitate, but curiosity and invitation carried me forward. Outside the entrance, sharply dressed men in black suits smiled and welcomed me, and their calm hospitality eased my racing pulse into mere quickness.

An usher led me inside. The hall was nearly full and I found a seat toward the back. The atmosphere surprised me—warmth, laughter, and a sense of community replaced the somber, rigid image I had expected. This was “Broda’s Day” at the Academy Campus Forum, a campus ministry aimed at introducing students to Christ. Rita F., a fellow journalism and Mass Communication student at the University of Buea, had invited me. I had never experienced anything like it.

My mental picture of born-again Christians had been narrow: worn shoes, mismatched suits, stern expressions, conservative women in long skirts. Here, however, were people who claimed the same faith yet appeared stylish, joyful, and authentic. The energy filled the hall. It was clear they knew a joy I did not, and I wanted it.

That evening shattered stereotype after stereotype. Instead of the traditional praise I expected, a group of young men in matching black suits performed a hip-hop-influenced song. One stepped forward and delivered a strong rap—intentional, faith-centered lyrics that preached the gospel in a contemporary style. It was not the raw anger or profanity I associated with mainstream rap; this was music that carried the message of God. For the first time I realized gospel music could take many forms—rap, soul, jazz—and still point people to Christ.

The programme, themed “Garden of Eden,” also included a powerful drama, moving songs, and a heartfelt sermon. I sat in a back-row corner in Molyko, absorbing every moment. Beyond the appealing aesthetics and modern music, these young people spoke about God as if they truly knew Him. That authenticity struck me deeply.

I wanted that connection.

When the speaker invited anyone seeking a relationship with God to come forward, I hesitated. Later that night, back in my room, I cried. The previous evening I had been at a party in a short denim skirt and salamanda shoes, lost in the lights and the dance floor. Looking back, I felt empty and regretful. I realized how meaningless my pursuits felt without God.

I resolved to be brave the next day. The final meeting of the programme took place the following evening, and I went with my friend Winifred, who had invited me to the party days earlier. We sat together as gentle, melodic worship rose through the hall:

A conviction I had never felt before settled over me, making my need for God undeniable. Pastor Song Yusimbom invited anyone who wanted to know the Lord to come forward. Without hesitation my friend and I rose and went to the altar. In that moment I left behind years of merely trying to be moral and asked for a genuine relationship with Christ.

He led us in a simple prayer, which I repeated with all my heart:

Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins.

I know that I am a sinner.

Wash away my sins.

Make me born again.

Thank you, Lord.

On Sunday evening, 16 May 2004, as a first-year university student, I dedicated my life to serving God. I experienced being born again and became, in every sense, a new person. That decision has shaped my life ever since. It filled a void that nothing else could reach and remains the best thing that has happened to me.

What about you? Have you had a similar life-changing encounter? You can pray the sincere prayer above. If you want to learn more, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]