Called to Chosen: Ghenere's Role in God's End Game

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S to Stories of Freedom, a podcast about discovering and embracing who you are in Christ. On each episode, we'll visit with people who have overcome obstacles, gained freedom, and found abundant life in Christ. These conversations will highlight the goodness of God woven throughout the lives of his people and teach us as his children to appreciate that very same goodness in our own lives. We will journey together, growing to better understand how to live this life free and fruitful in Christ.

Welcome to Stories of Freedom. It's our joy and pleasure to introduce to you today Janaire Hira from Trinidad and Tobago. I have the joy and honor of working with her as she serves on the international steering team and with her dad in the North America and Caribbean area director role. And so I love this family. You're going to love getting to meet Genair. And so, Janaire, welcome to Stories of Freedom.

Thank you so much. It's my pleasure to be in Stories of Freedom. And, you know, I'm now reflecting on a name and I think, just like naming it Stories is very powerful because I think we're all a living storybook, you know, so Stories of Freedom, you know, hats off to the name itself, I must say.

Amen. Amen.

Well, thank you. And part of our vision has been that, you know, we overcome, as Revelation says, we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. And so we want to get testimonies out there. And so we look forward to sharing your testimony. Right. A testimony is not. I was born at a very young age and I grew up in church and I trusted Jesus. And, you know, but it's the story of how you've been learning to walk with Jesus. And even as we were talking about just a few minutes ago, that that might be an encouragement to fellow believers and that it might those who don't yet believe in Jesus. Something to consider and think about from your life story and your testimony. And so with that in mind, what is, what is the main point or what you hope our listeners take away from your story today?

I think what I hope our listeners and viewers take from this story is a question. Basically it's what is my role in his end game? And I think that's the simplest thing. What is my role in his end game? His meaning, God our Lord. What is your role in God's end game? And then maybe the other further question will be like, I do know his end game. Right? Because you're supposed to. So, yeah, simple like that. What is my role in his end game?

Well, and even as you're saying that I'm thinking, why don't you share with our listeners what you mean by his end game?

Yeah, I would say his end game really is his return, you know, And a lot of us as Christians, we know that. We know like Christ is coming soon. We know that the end of the Bible is I'm coming soon, you know, however, what are we doing for that time? What are we doing for that? And I think sometimes we're guilty. I have been guilty, just caught up in my own Christian world. But it's like, what am I doing for others? So what is your role in his return? What are you doing for those who are not saved? What are you doing for those who are saved? And what is your role in that? Passing on with a big word that I'm sure we will kind of dive on, which is like remnants, you know, so. So, yeah, I hope I. Oh my gosh.

Oh my gosh. I'm so excited. This is so exciting. I can't wait to figure out what my role is in his end game. Yeah. These are super exciting questions. And how the Lord. It's like you're setting us up to. To note how the Lord might weave that thread through the conversation because we have no questions beyond that question.

Right.

Like, and the next one I'm fixing to ask. But. But beyond those. Right. We just kind of follow the Lord and. And it is your story of freedom, your.

The.

The overarching story of how he has worked in your life. Yeah, but you are right. It is in the name because that story is told is maybe best told in the million different stories that make up our life. Like even. Even our time today is limited. You will not be able to share with us every great and profound and quiet and quaking moment of your life.

Right.

Every story of his goodness come or every way that you've been able to taste and see that he's been good to you in this life. You can't. And in the B, it talks about like in the recording of all the good that Jesus did while he was on the earth, it says no book could control. It could hold it. Right. Like, these are some of the stories, right? And what you will share here is some of your stories. And. And from that the Lord is going to paint this really cool picture. And I'm excited about this thread that you've picked out, so. Yay.

And I think one of the things that just came in my mind just a few seconds ago was call to chosen because it's a series of events and his reputation, right? God's track record in my life is what? That's the first question I would look to answer, you know, based on when PD acts like, I would be like, okay, what is my role in his endgame? That's what after this podcast is like, okay, what is my role in his end game? Because she figured out her role in his end game. But it's also called to chosen. Many are called fewer chosen. What does that mean? God has favorites? No, it's much more deeper than that. It's like, yes, we're saved. We think that Christianity is for ourself, but when we totally surrender to why we're called, then you begin to see the reason, which is some painful, lonely seasons. But you see the fruits, right? It's like. It's like in John 15, you did not choose me. I chose you. So you can bear fruit. So sometimes we feel like I'm the one that is. I choose to be this. I chose this role. But it's. God appointed us for this role. God appointed you for the role that you have in Freedom in Christ. Us say God appointed Amanda in this role for the podcast. Like, if it was our way, we probably would have been doing something else. So he gives us the provision, call to church. Amen. That is my end game. And he chose us, you know?

Amen.

That's beautiful. That's beautiful. Genier. A couple of things I think you are saying really big, profound things. You're setting our sights on the coming of Christ and. And all of the things in his return and. And what happens now. You know, how we participate now based on knowing that he is coming back. Like there is a return there.

Correct.

You're the. The listeners may not can. Can tell this, but you're really young to be talking about these really big things. I think these are really mature things coming. Coming out. And so I don't want to miss, you know, just like also, you. You said you called someone pd. I feel like no one knows who you're talking about. Why don't you locate a Cheniere? Start us out. Who, like, who are you? What do you do? How do you know Dan? Because you and I, you and I have met and we visited and for more than just the podcast. Like, we have connected in our roles together. But. But I feel like. I feel like, hey, why don't you introduce yourself a little bit?

Right, Good, Sure. So my name is janae hira. As Mr. Dan would have said, I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I serve on the Freedom in Christ International. Recently, God opened that door in the midst of waiting, but we'll dive into that. However, my parents introduced me to Freedom in Christ because Freedom in Christ was introduced to them by also Claudette, Sister Claudette Dalkit when they were doing ministry in Trinidad. So they were part of that Freedom in Christ cohort. The Freedom in Christ in Trinidad grew. They were very influential, like, okay, my daughter needs to do this Freedom in Christ course. So I did. And from there it has always played a huge part in my life. And from when Trinidad and Tobago had to host the conference in the Caribbean, that's when I met Steve and Zoe Guss and started to meet more of the Freedom in Christ family. And that's how God opened up the door that this is the space that he wants me to serve at this season. But that's a little bit on the Freedom in Christ side, a little bit on the personal side. So I am Janae again. I am first born. I say first one because I take my birth role very seriously because my parents really grew us up with that. I'm young, but not that young. I'm 32. You know, that's young.

Don't even, don't even. Don't come in here. Don't come in here and tell people. That's not young. That's young, girl. You're young and.

Yeah, and very bubbly. I'm very people oriented. You know, besides me being a grounded Christian and a believer in JEs. I'm very people oriented. I'm very family oriented. I love creative things. And my entire life has been okay, so I know y' all will be like, janae, well, duh, everybody lives like that. But no, I think God really works with me with seasons. So my entire life has just been like compartmentalized within seasons. It's kind of crazy sometimes, to the point that sometimes I ask the for the opposite. At times I'm like, okay, God, let's slow down. Like, please, let's stay here for a little while. But you know, to me, he. He knows who he uses, why, you know, so my whole life has just been seasons and seasons. But yeah, that's a little bit and I'm very open book. So anything that you all want to ask and I probably didn't cover, I will answer. But God has been constant in my life. Even though at times when I did not want a Christian life and I felt like my parents expectations was too much and I'm like, I don't want this and I want to do things my friends could have done and I can do. God did not Let me go. And he continued to chase after me, even though in the midst of my struggles, in the midst of temptation, with unequally yoked relationships, in the midst of running away from my calling, all those different things kind of made the who I am. But. But yeah, yeah, yeah.

Well, I've got. I've got two follow up questions. I got a ton of follow up questions to all of that, but I'll just ask two that I think are related or from what you just said, one is, what did your parents see in you? That they were like, oh, our daughter needs freedom in Christ. And how did you know that the Lord wouldn't let you go? Or how did you recognize that he was not letting you run away and get out of his grasp?

Yeah, I think that was some really good questions because it really paved the way. So I think when I remember during that time when I was first introduced to freedom in Christ, I was really at a place of like, very seesaw with my relationship with God. Like a rollercoaster. It was a time when I was really struggling with an equally rogue relationship. And my parents totally was aware because we all know Christian parents, you cannot hide anything from them. I mean, young people, if you're listening to it, forget it. Don't even think about it, because the Lord reveals it to them. So they knew, and they knew that, you know, Genaia was really struggling. They knew that I was still like choosing something that they would not approve. And my parents did not compromise in that area at all. Even though, and I could freely say it, even though at times maybe some of their Christian friends would have compromised in that area for their children. My parents did not compromise. And I'm very thankful that they did not, you know, because who knows where. Where I would have been today, Right? So they were very, very strong with that. So they really encouraged me to do so, which I was in the midst of that struggling. I was still a very obedient child in the midst of it. I don't know how to explain it because that may seem very opposite.

You're. You're the firstborn, though, right? So that makes sense. Firstborn so wants to please mom and dad often. High achiever, like, follow the rules. Yep.

Correct.

Yeah, all the memes are correct if you think about it.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's right.

So, yeah, so that's how it's introduced to it. On. I remember, like, not being in a headspace, like, why am I doing this? Feeling probably, like, you know, however it really did, it was the right. It was the Best thing for me to do especially with these steps, especially with the Lord revealing so much things about who I am and also like being reluctant, like why do I have to do this? But still being in the space, truth is still being said. And I think that's why I'm like so huge, a huge supporter in terms of even if young people, even though your child may have a resistance, still have the truth around them because God is still working with any truth. Because that's happened with me. You know, the truth was still being said, it's still planted, it was still rooted in who I am.

Yeah.

So that's a little bit about what was happening with me.

Yeah, let me dig in there a little bit more like help us understand, share with our listeners. I mean here you were, you, you wanted to follow the rules and, and please mom and dad, so you agreed to do it. But there was some internal I want to do my own thing, go my own way and live my life on my own terms. But you're hearing the truth. What were a few of those truths that really sunk deep or that really you remember as oh, that's transformative or you mentioned the steps. How did you meet with the Lord in the steps?

Yeah, I think two things. I believe the lie that my parents, I saw it as my parents having too much expectations for me. So I remember having conversations with God or like family meetings. I think all Christian homes know about like family meetings. And it's like no, I think we have too much expectations. And I feel like I always have to do something thinking it's my parents expectations. But that was a lie. However it was really that calling that the Lord had on me. So here it is. I'm seeing this is what my parents, this is what my parents want. But the more I locked in with the truth of who God says who I am, it's the more the truth fought in between a lie to know it's not them having expectations on me, it's who I was created to be. Because why would I feel like it was expectations? Because God's calling always fight through the oh I just want to be able to go certain places that I have never ever witnessed in my life up to this day. And it's like, but it's no defight is because you know that something is fighting for that love. Something is fighting for that calling. So that was one of the lies on that truth in terms of who I was created to be, which is things that God really wanted me to do and that's those those asks if you want to put it like that started from a young age with any steps. Those things revealed a lot of stuff that boundaries that we, that I probably would have taken for granted. Right. So let's say the things that we expose ourselves as with young people convers how where we place ourselves, even like with the opposite sex, all these different things that we are not thinking could have spiritual roots, but those things could. And if it's one thing I know with these steps and I encourage people, you know, it's like. And something I know my mom always says, if it comes to your mind at this time, denounce it, call it out, denounce it. And I think things that we take for granted but got uprooted within those moments. Okay, I want you to deal with that. Right. And two, the truth. Somehow truth does. I didn't even plan, like, I didn't plan about anything. Truth. And just last night in family devotions because we're doing a 40 day stronghold buster as a family right now with different characteristics in each one of us. We spoke about truth and the definition of love and truth. Just last night I was sharing truth sets you free. And growing up, you know, like when you lie to your parents, first you say, you know, the truth sets you free. The Bible the best you tell the truth right now. But it's, it gave a different meaning to me that the moment you speak something out, not in terms of confession, but even like confession is something I do wrong. But just even professing or saying, okay, I may struggle with this or this, God could work with it. And I think that is one thing freedom in Christ on his steps does immediately when something is said, he cannot deal with it because it's any light, because it's brought to light.

No, it's interesting. And Amanda, if you have a question, I'll let you follow up on that. But even as you say that, I'm reminded of something I shared in my story just a couple weeks ago is that when I went off to college, I recognized that if I went off to a big state school, I don't think I could handle it. My character wasn't in a place where I could handle the temptations of no oversight and everything that's mixed up in a big state school. So I chose to go to a smaller Christian school where I knew I'd be held accountable. And what I'm connecting with and what you're saying is that I wasn't even at the point of confessing something at that point, but I was professing the truth of Lord, I recognize the faults and failings and shortcomings in me, and I need you and your body to help me. And so I'm professing that truth of. Of needing him and others to. To be encouraged in my walk with him. So thank you for ministering to me in this. In this conversation. That's awesome. And we were talking about that earlier of how when we share our stories, it connects with other people. Even that we don't know, because the Holy Spirit can apply it. I don't want to get away from the second question that I asked too, which is, how did you know the Lord was not letting you go, that he kept pursuing you?

Yeah, I really, really appreciate that question. I just have to say before I even answer, because it really. When I. Anytime I think back on that transformation, it's always started with that. He didn't let me go. He didn't let me go. You know, one very similar to what I'm saying before is that he. It was a constant fight. There was never one moment that I felt like, okay, yeah, I was just. I'm just gonna go into the world, you know, Like, I was never allowed to. And when I was thinking, like, people think it's my parents. No, he never allowed me to, even though I would have made certain choices that is not pleasing to him. So somebody else might think about, well, you. And you will know it was always still a constant fight because he has. He never. His voice never left me. Right, yeah. You know, and the fact that you.

Were troubled, the fact that you were troubled outside of this thing with him shows that he's with us. Right?

That's right.

Right, exactly. The fact that it wars with us, that the truth within us wars to be known. Right? We know the truth and it wars within us.

Correct.

And it's proof that he loves us, that he's with us and he loves us and he reminds us and. Ah, so good. Keep going, Keep going.

And there was a specific time I remembered. I was like around 17 years old and it was youth group. And I always go back to the story. And you know what? Before I share that, there's something that I never remembered. And I only remember it like a couple of seconds ago. And I will talk about it, dude. And when I was five years old, I will always remember because I had on a Lion King Akuna matata pajamas kind of dress. Nighty. Right. Caribbean, we say 90. And I remember I was five years old and I woke up that morning and I told my parents something that the Lord came into my dreams and told me I need to be this when I got older. And I remember seeing this iridescent light, you know, but I really forgot that memory until now, you know, and just add with any question for it, you know, it shows that God was always there from since attending the child, even though I may think like, okay, I gave my life to Christ at seven years old, always brought up in a Christian home struggle, you know, it. It was more than that because. And I think now being even 32, that's why he never let me go, because he appointed since then, you know, but specifically when I was 17 years old, I was at a youth group and I told God, God, I want to break up with you. Remember it plain as day. It was, worship me. It was worship time. And I was like, lord, I just want to break up with you. Let's just take a pause from our relationship. Don't ask me to do anything. Don't convict me. Don't give me any ideas. I don't want to do anything. But he was silent. So I remember asking God, why are you so quiet? So you don't have anything to see? Because I really developed a relationship where I always heard God clearly, you know? So I realized he was silent. I said, okay, God, why are you so silent? Like you don't have anything to say? However, the youth leader, which I never really spoken to as much because it was a new youth group, I started going. It was big. So she called me over and she said a strong anger came around. A strong anger came across me, and I'm like, God, where is this anger coming from? She's like, but then he showed you to me. So I was like, okay, because it's the first time, you know, like, somewhere. So I was like, okay, you know, she's like, janae, God said there's some people he allows to go into the world. That just is her word. She has no idea my conversation with God, right? There's some people I allowed to go into the world, and I bring them back, and they're strong leaders today. You could hear it in their testimonies and everything. But there are some people I don't allow to go in the world because what I have for their life has to happen. No, that was it. From there, I surrendered differently with the Lord. I went. I went into, like, a whole week of fast with my parents because, like, the day before that, I told them I didn't want this life, this Christian life anymore. They didn't have any response, you know, And I went into a time of which I remember studying Psalms 51 with David and going through that whole time of repentance and that transformation with Christ. And my entire life changed differently since then, even though it was. You know, it's always been like times when we would have fallen, but that space is when I knew, all right, Janae, you can't run.

Yeah.

Oh, my goodness.

Well, and I love how both that story and your parents approach to you with expectations, which sometimes we can take as oppressive. They really were calling you to more right. Of saying, no, no, no. I don't want you to miss out on everything I've created you to be and to do and calling you beyond the shallow and hollow and false and deceptive ways of this world that ultimately only betray us and leave us stranded.

And I just have to say so, so perfectly, did the Lord just kind of set your stories up to. To take us back to the beginning? Right, because you're saying you at this point, and it is spectacular. I mean, listening to that story is beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. But what it you're saying, he's. He's been keeping me the whole time, reaching out to me the whole time, like from five years old, right, since this dream that I woke up and, and. And then 17. I'm going to live it differently. But already the fact that, like. Like these little details of your conversations with your parents or your weak fast after that, at 17. Come on, come on now. Come on, let's don't even play. I. I mean, the. This, this that you're. This lifestyle that you're speaking of, even the family raising that you. Of that intentional work went into that. However it changed whatever it looked like after that, however you've grown through that, you didn't just come by. Yeah, right. You're raising. Right. Like it didn't just happen. Yeah, right. And so why don't you take us?

Right?

Why don't you take us? Okay, pretend. Pretend that you're sitting across from a dumb American. Not my identity in Christ, right? But I am playing the role, as the world might see it, of a dumb American and be like, okay, tell us where Trinidad and Tobago are. Where are you right now? Right? Like, you're there now. You. You come back and forth now to New York and. And you work with us internationally, and you're amazing at all the things, but you're there now.

You.

You were born there. Is that right? Okay, take us back to that. Where's Trinidad and Tobago? When are we. When you're born. What that's like, what's it like to be you, to grow up you? Because I grew up in South Texas, I have a feeling some things are shared and some things are very different. And, and so tell us about that.

So I was born in Toronto, Bago. I'm a pro Trinbagonian. So we're a Twin island. We say twin island, but we're a twin island. But I'm from Trinidad. I'm from Trinidad. I love my country. So right now, specifically for this podcast, I am home sweet home. And there's nothing sweet as home. So I am in Trinidad right now. So I was always brought up in a very patriotic home. My dad is a retired commander in the Coast Guard, so that's like Navy. So we have always been brought up with discipline. My both parents are strong Christians. My whole life they have, they were safe. Like growing up, I think I was around like 3 years old. But I have been totally brought up in a Christian household. I, yeah, I, as I said, I'm first born. My siblings is Jaron and Jariel. Jaron, he is 24 years old and Jarriel, she is 20 years old. My relationship with my siblings literally are my everything because I always say like, I can't lead anybody else kids without learning how to lead my siblings and even my relationship with them even stretch my weaknesses that I have to grow in and really blooms my strengths. You know, my parents are very loving, so I've always been brought up in a very loving home. So despite the fact of them being very strict and stuff like that, because I have like, I would say like in my words, old school Christian parents and Caribbean parents and where it's, you know, just by the books, especially me being first born. Right. So there was a lot of, you know, just like the strictness on the standards to live by was really given to me. And even though at times it may have been like ups and down, I'm still very thankful for that parenting because sometimes when you look back, you think about, okay, if my parents didn't do this, would I have still been Jeanette? You know, so, yeah, I would have went through primary school. My sister's homeschooled, but my brother and I, we went to public school. I went to one of, well, I will both. I went to one of the best secondary schools in Trinidad. It's an all girls school. It's actually a convent, so it was Catholic, but I was already saved and a Christian, evangelical Christian and everything. So those things never really fazed me. And then I went in, I Remember enrolling into Caribbean Nazarene College, which was a Nazarene college, telling my parents, oh, I think I'm called to be a psychologist because all my friends tell them, tell me their problems. And my mom was like, okay, Janae, you remember that in order to be a psychologist you have to listen but you know, you talk plenty, right? So I talk plenty. And she was 100% correct. I scraped through that, you know, and I didn't really excel too much in it. So I ended up dropping out in that. But going into creative media production, then moving on with so many work experience working in media, working with marketing, a lot of experiences with that. And then eventually doing my Masters in Business Management with an elective in international Marketing and brand management. But that's just all the qualifications, worldly qualifications, you know. But I think experience really beat that big time. And something my mom says again, you know, she was like, you know, we all aim to do have that worldly qualifications, but she believes that you are to be qualified with God's word. And she has a lot of words and let us say to say that because she graduated with her bachelor's in theology just recently, but she encouraged me to enroll into Bible school. So I'm currently in Bible school, which I really motivate a lot of people that I sometimes I feel deep down inside like that should come first, you know, before everything. Because when we really tie into his end game, that's the knowledge that matters. But God uses our worldly experience for his kingdom excellence. Big on. So. So yeah, I'll stay with that talking. There's so much in terms of what that changes God have been. But I love where I've come from, I love where I'm born. I'm very, very patriotic and I think that has a lot to do with how we were brought up. Like seeing my dad's part of parades and uniform. I'm very, very patriotic and I actually love nationalism on hold. So I love to see different countries very proud of who they are because I believe that nations also have a part in his end game. But that's a whole lot. So yeah, amen.

And just in terms of. Well, like you said, your dad is a retired commander. He had a significant role overseeing the emergency response services on the whole island and reported right to the prime minister for a while.

Yes.

And he told me and just. I want to get back to that. But he, he was really transformed by our freed to lead material as he's leading in these high tension situation. He realized through his freedom and the application of it, that he could be calm and at peace in the midst of even a high tension situation and that he as a leader could help others be better at their jobs by being a non anxious presence. Right. And that's a whole nother story. But, but so on the island, you're just north of Venezuela, is that correct?

Correct.

Yeah. So you guys, I mean for us here in the US I mean there's been a lot going on in terms of the US and Venezuela lately. I don't know if you have any perspective on what has happened recently and how Venezuela is doing or anything that you would kind of share with us in America.

I think that as I said before, like, I think nations have a huge part in God's end game. And I think that people supersedes everything. And at this moment, as much as we will see resources and we will see world leaders at a clash or even collaborate or in geopolitics, have bilateral relations or anything like that, people are still affected, you know, and even with Trinidad, we have like a mass migration of Venezuelans here, secret refuge and there's ways to do that legally and all these different things. So in the midst of it, there are people, there are kids affected, there's more than just what recently made news, you know, So I think that's the biggest part. And then being a Christian, how do we, if we're faced with the situation or faced with a Venezuelan or faced with, with having to give resources or show anything like we are to be a Christian first individually. That's just one part. When it comes to people, the next part is that, and I'll just touch on it really quickly is that this is how I see it, right? And Wood talks about it, but it's a little deeper. Every country has been given a wealth of their nation, right? And that wealth of their nation is also needed by another country. And all of that ties into like global interdependencies, globalization. And I also stretch it into like love languages, right? So every individual, every country have their own love language, the way that they interpret love. So every country have their wealth of nation the way that they need for their people. So there are times and God gifted each of that country that in order to work together. So but there are ways that we do that, you know, but if you're not plugged in as a world leader to be a God fearing person, you won't see the bigger picture. Whereas you, it will look like it's more controlled and it's more hard power than soft power in Order to control resources, because the exact resources that Venezuela have is what the entire world need. But there's a way to do that. You know, there's a way to do that because I don't think that Venezuela resources is only for Venezuela. I think God gifted them that for the entire world because what they have will make everything run. You know, so there's ways to just do that. And I think that.

Yeah.

And I think there's a bigger picture to that. And I also believe as Christians, when not to follow everything that is said in the news to create other world leaders as negative or tough, but there's deeper things within it because all we read is the headlines. But sometimes the right leaders are to distribute certain wealth, wealth of nations for a reason. That's a whole other.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. There's so much there I was trying to say.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Thank you for sharing all of that. I mean, it reminds me as I get into this new year and I started back in Genesis, reading back through the Bible again, is that God called Abraham. Right. Called him to himself for a purpose, like a greater purpose than he had been living, even as you've talked about. About it. And he said, I will make you a nation and I'll make you a blessing to the nations. Yeah, right. And so, yeah, again, there's. There's a lot there. But I want to go back to the thing with your. Your dad and mom.

Yes.

And they learned of freedom in Christ. Can you share with us any of the difference that you saw in them before and after?

Yeah, I think definitely there's a difference. And one thing that they say is especially being facilitators and leaders, every time you have to. You have to lead people through these series, it's like they're doing it all over again as well. They're refined. So many things. Yeah. You know, I think that truth in terms of who they are with, even with grace, you know, the grace that God has extended to them, you see any grace cause being really impactful in their lives and my mom's life, even any truth that who God says she is, who she was created to be, you know, there's a testimony that she always dwells on when she just got saved. You know, the verse that talks about, I'll give you a land flowing with milk and honey, you know, and just those promises of seeing, like where they have come from and the type of childhood that she probably would have had, but the bountiful of blessings that God would have given to her with the ending of generational curses, her being married, her graduates and graduates and with his, his education, you know, with the fruits of her spirit, like all these different things, you would see that continuously. And my dad in extension even how he mentioned free to lead but much less even in like the being more than he doing, you know, just seeing just like people over now. The truth is my parents has always been people first. Right? That is not even according to the Gen Z's. If my siblings was here, they would have been so, so upset how I'm about to do my sentence structure. But according to Gen Z is no cap, right? So it's like they have always been very people oriented, you know, so it's service, service people, people. So there's always been that. And I think that God always like create, he created them to be that sort of leader. So I think freedom in Christ was like the cherry on top for that stripping probably for them personally, you know, being able to lead so selflessly. My brother, he jokingly said, you know, because he's also grown in Christ, you know, with different seasons. And it wasn't like, yeah, you'll just expand your hand so much, expand your hand so much, you know. But it just shows that very people first, you know. But in the midst of that they took the time for God to transform their life so they can show up as people. So amen.

Amen. I really enjoyed listening to you talk about your siblings.

Yeah.

One of the things, I think there, there's some things that you say so quickly that it like we miss the poignancy of the fact that you were having these thoughts.

Right.

Let me just read back to you because I wrote it down, I tried to write it down while you were talking.

Okay.

You said I can't lead anyone else if I can't lead my own siblings.

Yes.

Right. I think, I think, okay, this, I think because you grew up yourself in your house, in your country, in your context, because you have only lived your own life life. This may seem like a not profound thought that I think few are the people that I'm in conversation now. We could just talk about it being maybe I just need to know different people. Right? I don't know. But, but you just said don't miss it. You, you just counted very important this relationship which in this world is so ready to cut off every extension of our family is so ready. They're not seeing their, their, their siblings as ministry like as not ministering opportunities as in jobs to do. But those are places you've been given rights to minister, minister. You've been given rights to minister to your siblings. It's obvious and true. Because you would say a statement like this. You would say a statement like this.

Correct.

Because we who are called to minister, we recognize, like this great weight. We are called out, but we recognize in the intimacy with the Lord, the very first and most important, the primary call is to Christ and to our home, our families, the. The ministering that we have the opportunity to participate with the people closest to us. Because if we lose this and gain that, what will we have really lost? I mean. I mean, the. The loss of our generations, for sure. Right? This is so cool, Geniere. I mean, this is really, really cool. Don't miss it, Dan. Surely you can talk to us something about that.

Well, there's a lot of thoughts that come to mind. I mean, Paul said to Timothy that the qualifications for an elder were how he led his own home. Right. And so the qualifications were, even, as you said, it's not your education, your degrees, your worldly experience, but how do you relate to those closest to you and those that are in your family first? I think it's from First John where he says, you know, not just leading, but he says, how can you say you love God if you can't love your brother and your sister? Right. And it's. And it's in those often closest relationships where our ability to love others is most tried and tested. And, you know, even as we talked about last time on. On my episode of I'm Not Condemned when I Fail to do that well, but it's an opportunity to learn. How do I do that better? How do I need to rely on the Lord to give me his love for those who I may be finding it hard to love? How do I navigate this situation and, you know, all at the same time recognizing they are also their own people and, and we're not responsible for their. Their decisions and responsiveness to our leadership. How do you balance that?

Yeah, that is a tough balance because there are times when, like, you have to use the wisdom in terms of, like, when do you let go? When do you not. There's something that I struggle with, or maybe I have to change my sentence structure, but God is really working on me with which is like, just hit it straight, Janae. Just hit it straight. Don't sugarcoat it. Just be assertive and hit it. He's really. Because it has a lot to do with leadership. So, yeah, I'm really growing in that area, and there was a time that I had to make a very firm decision. You Know with my sister with something. And I was concerned, like, okay, how is she gonna now perceive me? Or how is our relationship now gonna be affected when I make this decision? And I had to trust God, you know, and there was moments when I'm like, which trust would I rather, you know, and whose trust do I rather lose? And I had to now choose between my parents trust or my sister. And I don't ever wanted to be in that type of position. And I told my siblings that do not ever put me in that position, you understand? Like, they could tell me whatever. They know they do something wrong, just tell Shanae and Shana will come rescue. Just do. But don't place me in a position now where I now have to lie to my parents, where it could now cause harm. It could have a serious. What if it goes that direction? We all wish. We all wish. Like, it will never get there, you know, but what if it does? Right? Right. And I had to like, I'm like years I would on building back my parents trust to the space that we are in now, like, oh, definitely not. It's not worth it. And I had to trust God with son and with that balance of understanding, like, okay, there are times where we have to know, this is what you choose, Shariel. This is what I have to choose. And God did not. I mean, not God. The relationship was not affected. And God. And I'm so happy for that. And I thank God for that every day because I had to make that decision. Like, okay, but it did not affect our relationship. It didn't put a bruise. It didn't put anything. Maybe it did put a dent for her silence. I mean, she's growing up. She's 20, you know, I was 19, you know, 20, so it's fine. But it, it didn't affect, like, okay, Janae is still my sister and it's hard, but at that moment, we have to choose. Yeah, it's right from wrong and it's wisdom. And I also think it's having a personal relationship with God in terms of like, what is he telling me? Because if you don't have a personal relationship with God, to hear his voice, you would allow your emotions to. And I could be very soft hearted if my siblings want something. So I'll just be like, yeah, she just want that. Remember when I was that age and I wasn't allowed to do these things? Okay, I'll just make her get to do it, you know, but it's like, yeah, but Cheney, you not being allowed to do those things make you, who you are today, Right? No, like, you get over it anymore, and like, yeah, later, it was nothing. So she'll get over it, you know, so. So it's hard. It's hard. But it was not with me, what I probably would have been telling a different story today. That's to tell you how you can.

Really?

Yeah.

That's so good. It makes me want. It makes me want to ask you to tell us because you kind of located us where we're at, where Trinidad. Trinidad and Tobago are where you're at, you know, and. And how kind of the style of your raising. Tell us you did talk about, you know, the Lord didn't give up on you, was there the whole time. Tell us about your coming to the Lord, because we talk about that when I came to Jesus or when I. You know what I mean? Tell us about the time you knew, however that happened, that you belong to Christ, right? And that he belonged to you. Tell us about that story.

Well, when I got saved, I was 7 years old, all right? It was a church youth camp. My parents was the directors, and there was someone who's speaking. His name was Nathaniel Hossein. And I remembered, like, it was yesterday, because I was sitting on the lap of. Her name was Auntie Mel. And he was preaching. And I remember, like, I was really understanding his message, you know, and he was like, you know, anybody would like to give their life to Christ, you know, you know, slippy hat, you all know, like. And I was just like, wow. I really. I feel like I really want it. I remember to her, I was like, I feel like I really want one. She's like, janae, if you do. Yes. And I remember raising my hand and we went to the back of everybody who was saved. And all those young people were in tears. You know, sometimes I wonder, where was those people today? Who knows, right? Yeah, I remember they went to him. And I was looking up, looking at all of them in tears and crying, and I was confused, like, why are they crying? Because to me, is a happy moment. But, you know, when I get older, you understand the emotions of the Holy Spirit. But at that moment, I knew I gave my life to Christ and that was your salvation. And then from there, God transformed me. I was baptized. I remember when all my friends were being baptized. Like, all my friends in church was being baptized in specific year. And, you know, everybody was like, okay, Chanel would be baptized this year. They would be baptized this year. And I remember when my parents, like, they spoke to me. They spoke. They like, no, she's not ready. And I remember a lot of people disagreed with them saying that. And you know, maybe parents listen to this will have their own opinions too. Me looking back, I'm like, j, you probably wanted to get baptized on that year because all your friends is getting baptized. And I remember I got baptized the following year. And it was a time when, you know, it just probably they knew best. You know, honestly, my parents are humans and they will get it wrong at times, but when it comes to decision making with me, they, they have been right. You know, when like, okay, let's hear about guys. And my dad, I'm like, wait, boy, I know he's going to be right. My dad is going to be right. You know, when he was. She probably was like, she probably was wrong. He was right. So. But yeah, you know, because they were entrusted parents. Entrusted Yola parents. You entrusted did as earthly guys, you know, on behalf of Christ. So. So yeah. And that was a baptism. And throughout there was fight and a fight and a fight of working out my salvation continuously. And even in my secret place, continuously remembering who he is, how he restores, how he redeems.

Amen.

And who he is as God.

Amen, man. May we grow into people or be people, live as people. People who are children say the same things of right. They were not perfect, but they were. They were obviously united with Christ. What more could be said? What more do we hope for in this life, right, than to, than to. For our children to see a real picture. Because whenever the Lord says our time here is done, whatever we have left them with is. Is all we get to tell them on the matter. Right? Like, and you will have wanted to fill them with the truth. And so really cool that even today you can look and say some of those things were hard and maybe even some of those things were crappy and maybe they didn't get everything right. And the Lord blessed them. And the Lord blessed them because they tried, they tried to submit and walk in his way. Well, Lord bless them. You are listening to part one of a two part episode. Thanks for listening to this episode of Stories of Freedom. If these conversations have blessed you and you want to partner in the work that we're doing, we would love that. Freedom in Christ is a donor based ministry and so we need people to feel led by the Lord to join us in the work he has us doing. Could that be you go to ficm.org give to see and find out.