From Carnival to Christianity

Sydney Jerdo hasn’t always been so excited by Christianity
n Sydney Jerdo hasn’t always been so excited by Christianity
“I was touched by what he said and I realised that the Carnival was not good. I spoke to the preacher and made the decision to give my life to Jesus Christ.”
PETION-VILLE, Haiti — Sydney Jerdo, a bright and active high school student assistant, is thrilled with the O-21 Book of Life project, which is supplying Scripture books to young people. He is convinced these books, in French and Creole, since they show young people how to apply the teaching of Jesus to the contemporary issues facing them, will be effective in his school.

Book of Life

“The Bible has changed the lives of many people in the world,” he says. “And the Book of Life will also help change the lives of people here – not only Christians, but those who do not know Jesus Christ. I have already seen the changes in many students’ lives, even after just a couple of months.”

He has not always been so excited by Christianity. A few years ago he enjoyed attending the Carnival – the colourful annual outdoor festival noted for alcohol, partying, and other excesses. “But after two solid days of the Carnival,” he adds, “ I began having problems. There was an evangelistic crusade in progress at the same time, and one night, out of boredom, I decided to attend. The evangelist said something that really struck me.

“He said, ‘During this crusade, a lot of people are going to the Carnival and drinking and dancing. But although they think they are living, they are already dead.’

Decision

“I was touched by what he said and I realised that the Carnival was not good. I spoke to the preacher and made the decision to give my life to Jesus Christ. I was baptised five years ago.”

After his conversion, he immediately began studying the Bible. “There was a Bible study in my church, so I decided to attend. Then I got involved in Christian education. I did not come from a Christian family. It is a favour from God to get to know Jesus Christ. So I am trying my best to help other students become Christians.” (WR 363/7 - 10.01) [PHOTOS]