ENGULFING ADDICTIONS ERASED BECAUSE OF CHRIST

Few know the ravaging effects of addictions like Mr Paul Dafiakpor who was delivered last Sunday through the Anointing Water at The SCOAN. He told a tale of how the cravings for pornography, masturbation and alcohol plagued his life, robbing him of his privileges in Christ and ruining his career.

His misfortunes all started from a young age. Born in an idol worshipping home, his father had an altar in the house. Although the altar was burnt, true deliverance had not yet come to the household as they would be tormented by nightmares and cruel setbacks. Paul would often find dogs chasing him in his dreams as well as people with weapons threatening him mercilessly.

Although he was plagued with inner torment, on the outside Paul was trying to live a godly life. He kept his virginity till he was 23, determined to live a holy life for God. This determination was quashed however in a moment as a friend led him to a brothel and his dreams crashed on the rocks of temptation. That night he spent with a prostitute propelled him to continue the habit. Although hating himself for it and bitterly rejecting his actions, Paul continued to visit brothels in an attempt to satisfy an uncontrollable urge.

It was at this point that a friend introduced him to pornography. After watching it once, he was hooked. Thus began a cycle of going forward and being pushed back. After buying a pornographic dvd, he would destroy it but later find himself buying another one. He would download pornographic material, force himself to delete it but then later download more. He found himself unable to forgive himself and this led to immense frustration, depression and even thoughts of suicide.

A particular incident that occurred in this work place in April 2010 was etched in his memory. While relaxing during lunch break, Paul was watching pornography on his phone and as a result, he had an erection. Many were gathered there and this caused him extreme embarrassment. Someone who had been well respected and loved now became a subject of mockery and taunting. In anger, he destroyed his phone and bought a less sophisticated phone instead so he would not be able to download. But after some time, the urge became so strong and his physical strength failed him. He bought another smart phone and continued watching pornography. Affecting him socially, financially and even psychologically, Paul became paranoid, suspecting everyone around him to be talking about him and calling him names. He hated himself and would often hear voices prompting him to end it all. Watching pornography led him to masturbate regularly and he also succumbed to alcohol. In an attempt to erase the misery, he would drink till night and would return home and collapse on the floor without eating or talking to his wife. He lost his job and for two years he remained at home in a state of depression.

Mrs Dafiakpor told her side of the story. Although she knew her husband had become dependent on alcohol, she had no idea he was addicted to pornography and masturbation. All she realised was that her credit on her phone would mysteriously disappear each time she topped it up. She said her husband was a lovely person when in his right mind but his character would often change and he would often be very aggressive and despondent. She would feel for him because although he loved food, he would often go for dry fasting seeking for deliverance. She was overjoyed when she saw him on Emmanuel TV being delivered through the Anointing Water last week.

Since his deliverance, Mr Dafiakpor is no longer watching pornography, masturbating or drinking alcohol. His sleep is peaceful and his mind is at rest. Jesus Christ has erased the pain of the past and his testimony served as looking back in order to glorify God for all He had accomplished in his life.

He advised that: “Deliverance is the answer. God will not answer your prayer if you are watching pornography because God does not hear sinners. Pornography is dirty. Seek deliverance and allow Jesus Christ to wipe your heart clean”.