Reverend Andrew Vassell
GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

For Reverend Andrew Vassell, he could not have started to walk with God at a better time than when he did on March 28, 1998. He converted to Christianity at a crusade at the Lacovia New Testament Church of God in St Elizabeth.

Vassell grew up in the church but finally decided to surrender his life to the Lord 12 years ago, and said it was always his intention to serve God.

"I grew up in the church and I always had the intention to serve God, and that day when I went to the crusade I came in contact with Him. I felt something different, and that was really when something good started to happen," said Vassell.

He said at the time there were more than 30 young men and a number of women who took the bold step as well.

"Right now I am the only one who is still standing out of that number for Christ. All of them just went back into the 'world'," said Vassell.

riches in Glory

Vassell, who is currently a member of the Lacovia New Testament Church of God, is also an officer there. He has served in various capacities in that congregation, including men's fellowship president, part-time Sunday school teacher, youth fellowship president and secretary, local youth director, choir director, among others.

He is currently at the Bethel Bible College in Mandeville pursuing professional studies for ministry. Apart from serving as a minister, Vassell said he wanted to be a top gospel musician and producer.

The church leader, who admitted that he has been tempted at times to turn away from the way of the Lord, said he has managed to hold on because when he looks back to see where he is coming from and the difficulties he has been through, he sees where it is not worth going back. His wife Kerry-Ann Roberts-Vassell has been a tower of strength to him on the Christian journey.

"Even outsiders - my friends and sinners out there - have encouraged me to continue to holding on to the Lord. They sometimes say to me, 'Andrew we are glad for you. You are really strong and you are keeping it up for the Lord', and that has given me the push to continue in God," explained Vassell.

The church leader believes that all should seek the Lord first as is stated in the Bible, and all things will be added thereafter. He is convinced that Christians need not worry about things, because the Lord has promised to satisfy all our needs according to His riches in Glory.

"After professional studies, with the help of God, I hope to go into the hills and valleys to preach the gospel, to grow in the ministry," said Vassell.

His word to young ministers of the gospel is that he knows that it gets rough at times for them, but they can rest assured that God will be with them throughout whatever they are going through.

"If we put God first in everything and be committed to Him while continuing with zeal and desire, we will make it. Although the road is rough and the goings get tough, Jesus says He will be with us, because He has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will sustain us," said Reverend Vassell.

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