Kendall Burgess, a native of Paterson, NJ, has rededicated his life back to God. Living a life of homelessness, he realized that God is the only one who can turn his darkest days into joy. Now, with his life on track, this little drummer boy gives praise to Him that is able to keep him from falling. In this interview, Kendall shares his story from living in sin to taking up his cross to follow the Savior.
When was the first time you’ve learned about God? The first time I’ve learned about God was in Sunday school at Gilmore Memorial Church. The pastor was Dr. Allen Gilmore. The lesson was about two fish and five loaves. What was significant that stood out about that story? I learned how the impossible can become possible with Christ in our lives. What was your experience like accepting God into your life? Crazy. I was baptized and received the Holy Ghost and being misinformed, I got jumped by three guys the next day. I was about eight or nine years old. I had lost all respect for God. I didn’t understand that. I didn’t know why that would happen. I was upset and no one explained to me that there are spiritual benefits that come with spiritual adversity. Have you always walked a straight and narrow life? No, I have not. I would be lying if I said I did. Honestly the straight and narrow looked me in the face for years, but I kept looking the other way. The straight and narrow looked dim, but I looked to the other what I thought was glamorous to the eye. What were some of the trials you’ve faced being a Christian? Some of the trials I’ve faced being a Christian is knowing the difference from right and wrong but ,I continued to allow myself to go backward and participate in the things that weren’t of God. How has God kept you from reaching the tipping point? I’ve come to the realization that there is an emptiness that only God can fill and occupy that keeps me full of faith and full of hope. Can you describe a time in your life where you needed God? | I need him every time. I needed God the most at a time when I did something really stupid, and I had to go to court for it. The judge wanted to send me to jail, but I knew I needed God the most. He kept me out of jail. It was a faith builder and it was evidence that God heard my prayers. Have you ever had any dark days? Yes—dark days I have had. I’ve had emotional dark days, spiritual dark days, and physical dark days. Darkness was all around me. I’ve experienced it on all levels—maybe not so much the physical because I am still alive, but I have experienced dark days in my life. What made you return to God? I returned to God knowing I had purpose. I returned to God knowing that I wanted to live rather than exist. It was imperative to know God or die in my sins and my foolishness. If someone were in your situation, what advice would you give them? My motto is not what you do but is who you have to answer to. The older you get the more you pray, the longer you stay alive. How has God turned your life around? In a lot of ways God has turned my life around to where I am rebuilding my image, which reflects Christ. I’m re-establishing healthy relationships with family friends and associates. I’m obtaining better jobs and life is getting better with Christ because my spiritual man is building up where I can be a light for Christ in dark places. Now that you’ve given your life back to Christ what’s new in your life? | I have a renewed mind. I’m reliable and empathetic. I love people despite what they do. My work ethics have changed since Christ has been back into my life. A new love interest and I would say my desire to see other people experience Christ as I do. What are you enjoying now about God that you didn’t enjoy before? I’m enjoying my experience with the Lord because of my thirst and hunger and desire for him. I know everything that I want and get and need is in him so my fellowship and relationship with him is stronger. If God can describe you in one word, what would it be? Anointed. God gives people gifts. Some people stumble upon them. Some people are aware of them and some people allow them to be wasted. So I encourage people to utilize the gifts and talents God gives them. What do you feel God has called you to do in life? Through my musical gifts and abilities God has called me to teach music and help out in various auxiliaries in churches where my target is the youth. Do you have any last words that you would like to leave our readers? I would leave the readers with this quote: The acceptance of leadership is a great responsibility. It’s both scary and exhilarating. Once you decide to become a leader in your own life cast off the shackles of fear and dependency that hold most people back and pursue life with a positive attitude and drive. Kendall Burgess is a member of Healing House Ministries and can be found playing the drums and piano for the church. You can follow him on his Facebook page: Kendall Burgess or can be emailed at mason2551@ gmail.com for music lessons, weddings, funerals, banquets and celebrations. |