“I Didn’t Feel Like An Alien In Church” – Tobi’s Story

My life before I met Jesus

I am Tobi Ogunrinde, a Visual Designer. Before Jesus, I lived a life of fear and constant anxiety. I didn’t have a direction, I truly felt I was lost. I was born in a Christian household to God-fearing parents. My mum has been a Sunday school teacher all my life. But I think because of this I became too familiar with the word of God.

It started to feel like I was just going through the motions and after a while, I honestly didn’t want any part of it. But as I grew, I could feel a hole in my life that nothing could fill — not my addictions or sin.

But joining Sycamore changed everything for me. For the first time, I could see people who looked like me, worshiping God. That was honestly what I needed to take Jesus seriously.

I can’t think of any specific moment or event that solidified my decision to follow Christ. I just kept showing up Sunday after Sunday. But I remember that after a profound message in church, Pastor Tolu Moody did the usual altar call and I surrendered completely.

I had responded to many alter calls in the past but this time was different. This time, I was making the decision for Jesus consciously, intentionally.

Choosing Sycamore as my home

What drew me to Sycamore and made me stay was the strong sense of family. Sycamore has been so warm and loving. Also, like I mentioned before, seeing young people like me worshipping God touches my soul every time. For the first time, I didn’t feel like an alien in church. I felt I was in a space where I belonged.

My parents were excited about my decision to follow Christ. They are devout Christians so the more I got nearer to Jesus, the happier they’ve gotten. They’ve always encouraged me and helped me in any way they can.

Ever since I made a decision for Jesus, I have a stronger sense of direction. I have a sense of purpose now. I still make mistakes but I know I have a Father who loves me and is always looking out for me. There is a sense of peace now that even if things are not going how they should, God is in control.

Making the decision to be baptised

Before taking the step to be baptised, I was encouraged by my friend, Isaac Usifo. He empowered me to take the bold step.  I had been trying to dodge it for a while by making different excuses.

But I eventually started to feel that this was the way to go. I needed to make a conscious and significant decision to lock in and follow the way of Christ.

On the day I got baptised, I was extremely nervous. But once I entered the water I felt my fear roll away and I was hopeful and excited about what was to come.

My baptism is significant because it’s a moment where I publicly announced to the world that I was locking in with Christ. Personally, it reminds me of the path I have consciously chosen to walk with Jesus.

The blessing of community

Sycamore community has been a blessing. Honestly, if not for the community at Sycamore I wouldn’t be walking my current faith journey. I have met family here who continue to encourage me, pray for me, and be there for me when I have questions or when I need someone to talk to.

A word of encouragement

Take the bold step and lock in, there are no disadvantages to making a decision for Jesus only advantages. Your life might not dramatically change, but it would put you on the right path, and it’s a sign to the world and yourself that you’ve chosen to walk the path of light.

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Would you like to experience community with us?

You can join us this Friday, online or onsite, for Passion Night– an electric night of praise and worship! On Friday night, at 6:35 PM WAT to 8:00 PM WAT, you get to worship, with everyday, ordinary people like you, at the top of your lungs. You can lay everything down, get everything off and gain a refreshing focus on Jesus!

Interview by Osham Ndubisi

Osham serves with the Content Team at Sycamore Church 

(Blogposts are creative expressions generously provided for Sycamore Church. The ideas and thoughts do not necessarily represent the position of Sycamore Church)