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Intention

To share my testimony of how God led me out of New Age beliefs and into His glorious light, and to encourage others to trust His leading as we seek to reach out to lost people.

Scripture

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”

– John 3:3

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

– John 14:27

Reflection

Many today are still searching – just as I once was – for peace amid the noise, chaos, and moral confusion of our world. In Australia, a cultural shift began in the 1960s: the rise of “New Age” spirituality. Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and Eastern philosophies promised inner peace and enlightenment.

Few realise these practices are rooted in Eastern religions and often linked to the occult. I, too, was blind to this. I believed such practices would bring peace. So, I dove headfirst into yoga, Hindu scriptures, mysticism, and Buddhism.

In December 1971, I joined over 200 Westerners to learn a form of meditation taught by an ‘enlightened’ Burmese monk named Goenkaji. I meditated and fasted for 20 days, hoping for peace.

At the end of my fast, I was walking through the city. I am forever grateful that God reached me through His obedient servant, Brother John – a street evangelist.

He gave me a pocket Bible and a book titled Can We Know? Brother John shared his testimony of how God physically saved his life after falling from a third-story window while chasing a 100-rupee note. Then, God saved his soul.

The fall left him paralysed in one leg, but he surrendered to Jesus. He later founded an orphanage and outreach centre called “Pilgrim’s Mission” in Varanasi, India’s spiritual epicentre.

As I read the Bible, I believed Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected. But I struggled with what it meant to be “born again.” I only knew the concept of reincarnation taught in yoga and Buddhism. I wrestled with the idea, just as Nicodemus did when Jesus said one must be born again to enter the kingdom of God.

God revealed that if I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and come into my life, He would cleanse me from all unrighteousness and fill me with His Holy Spirit. He would give me eternal life through Jesus Christ, who atoned for all my sins on the cross.

A verse that helped me understand was John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If Jesus is the only way, then other paths cannot be true. That truth, ignited by the Holy Spirit, burned in my heart.

Another confirmation came through a terrifying dream after reading Revelation. I saw the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 20:17–19) – with horses, armies, and war. It filled me with dread and a profound sense of God’s judgment. I understood this world would end, just as Scripture said, and I had to choose Christ while I still had breath.

I returned to Melbourne after a year of discipleship training in Bangalore and later attended Melbourne Bible College.

Between 1985 and 1988, God used my experiences to reach New Age seekers at a coffee house outreach in central Darwin called “Fisherman’s Hut.” It was one of the most effective forms of outreach of its time, welcoming hippies, seekers, and travellers with gospel music and a place to sit and chat.

I share this testimony to glorify Jesus Christ’s faithfulness and celebrate the joy He brings. I pray that you will be blessed and freshly anointed with His strength and wisdom as you reach the lost. Know that God’s ways are not our ways—they are higher and beyond understanding. May His hand be upon you for good, and may many sheep be added to His flock.

Video

Prayer

Lord, You know those who are hungry in heart and yearn for Your peace. Help us recognise Your promptings and lead us daily to find them. Place a burden in our hearts and help us pray persistently until they find You. Give us Your Word for each one, and help us share it with love, compassion, and power.

May we be willing servants with the Shepherd’s heart for the lost and the prodigals.

Amen.

Author Bio

Gail served as an English Second Language teacher for 26 years in Darwin, a hospital chaplain in Townsville for 7 years, a Bible teacher in Zimbabwe, and a short-term missionary in Uganda.

With home churches including Anglican, Uniting, and Baptist congregations, she has participated in interdenominational and online prayer groups, including for Israel. She rejoiced after discovering the Canberra Declaration’s prayer gatherings in late 2021.

Prayer Points for GO Month to Pentecost 2025

1. Five friends to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

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