Many of our members have made a decision to live Holy and to be a part of the True Church of God in Christ movement, yet their parents, wives, husbands, children, relatives, or friends do not want to have anything to do with Holiness. So, how do you remain a part of the True Church Movement while living Holy when they are not? The goal for the next few months is to give the youth an understanding about the importance of living saved even when other family members and friends are not. This may entail disagreements, suffering, and praying, but we hope the testimonies gathered will encourage the youth to remain faithful.

                                   Setting a Example of Holiness to my Friends

                                                              
In 2001, I made a decision to live Holy. I remember telling my friends that I had accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. Many of them did not think I was serious, some thought it was a short term experiment and that I would be back to doing the same old stuff as before. However, I begin to speak differently, act differently, and soon after, dress differently. I stop going to worldly events with them, and I begin focusing on my relationship with Christ. I wanted to show them that I was serious about my relationship with Christ and that there was a difference between Holiness and Unholiness. Not only did I want them to see a difference outwardly, but I also wanted them to see a difference in me inwardly. I knew that living Holy was going to entail a lot of suffering, disagreements and discussions, but I was ready to deal with it. I was also ready to let go of so many of these ungodly friendships and relationships and commit myself to God. Indeed many of my so-called friends recognized this, and begin to separate themselves from *me*. Instead of being disappointed, I remember rejoicing because I knew I had taken a stand. I was not willing to compromise my beliefs to have their friendships. As I got closer to God, the further away a lot of these friends went. Now, eight years later, only a couple of friends remained a part of my life. We have had our disagreements and discussions. But I always remain prayerful. Our values and perspectives aren't always on the same page, making it incredibly difficult to discuss important topics. But both know what I stand for. I pray and hope that my friends will continue to see how I treat them in all situations and will realize that the love coming from me is God's love.

By: Lilly Stafford