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I immediately got myself dressed and off to Sunday School. From then on, Kamili and I went together. For about two years, I attended
the Adult Classes to refresh my Bible knowledge and learn more about serving Christ. I later became a Sunday School teacher of
Middle Schoolers. This was great because I became familiar with this age group, and it led to me teach this population at Tajiri.
Now that I was teaching to spread God’s Word seriously, I decided that my life outside the church needed to be clear to me and to
those around me. This also meant that I couldn’t teach one thing and live a life contrary to the Word of God. It was at this point that
I decided to practice celibacy and for 10-12 years I did just that! I had given myself to Christ when I was 12 years old. I accepted His
salvation on a Palm Sunday morning and was baptized on Easter Sunday at St. Paul Baptist Church in Sanford. Despite this, I wasn’t
really committed. I was saved, but my actions didn’t portray that of a true Christian in the sight of God.
When I totally dedicated myself to Christian behavior, I had to make sure my sexual posture was the first area on the list to bring in
line. I felt that at 45 years of age, a clear and definite Christian life needed to be exemplified. No playing around – It Was Time to Get
Serious and Be Faithful to God. Thank you again, Jesus, for your grace (unmerited favor) and mercy throughout my sin-filled life.
I’m not perfect yet, but I’m a whole lot better. I’m new and improved.
While I was living on Sanford Avenue, Dr. Stephen Caldwell Wright, Professor of English-Humanities at Seminole Community
College at that time, asked me to be the guest solo artist for the Seminole Community College Heritage Jubilee held in January 1983.
I was surprised to get such an invitation, but I graciously consented to perform for the event. Upon developing a great relationship
with two superb pianists – Mrs. Sandra Petty and Mr. Dale Stafford – I asked them to accompany me. They were the Best in their
genres, which were Classical and Gospel. Very structured rehearsals began. During one rehearsal of an Aria, I thought I was singing
correctly, but Mr. Stafford (who taught at the same school I did) became quite disturbed. In fact, he hit the top of the piano and
exclaimed, “What are you singing? I will bring a recording tomorrow for you to hear an authentic rendition of this Aria by a
metropolitan opera diva.” This was another instance of me getting constructive criticism. I followed through by accepting the