Faith-Filled
“This is a moment of God and not of men.”
It’s truly a blessing when one gets to experience many different cultures around the world, and to absorb everything they have to offer. Claudi has been fortunate enough to live in various parts of the world, and along the way, added a massive amount of godly qualities to her character.
Ricky Jean~ Chief Editor
Debbie: Tell me a little about yourself. Where did you grow up, stage in life, working, going to school, are you from DFW originally?
Claudi: I am originally from West Africa, a country called Guinea-Bissau. I lived there until the age of twelve or thirteen. And then I moved to London, Europe; where I lived for a couple of years. I was met there by a disciple and I studied the Bible. I got baptized July 28th, 2019. Then I moved to the U.S to Texas. Now I go to DFWICC.
Debbie: Does that mean you like tea?
Claudi: No. I actually don’t like tea; it’s very funny because people think “Oh! British people drink tea.” But for me I need to feel the need to drink tea. It’s not like, “Oh! It’s afternoon– lemme have a cup of tea.” You know. It’s not like “Oh. It’s four O-clock. Time for tea.” You know. I have it when I feel like it, and it’s like once in a blue moon.
Debbie: What are some of your favorite hobbies and something you would consider unique about yourself?
Claudi: I like reading even though I don’t do it as much, but when I find a really good book, I like reading. And I just get so deep into it, and I don’t care about anything else, but reading a book. The other thing is I like hanging out with family and friends. And I’m super extroverted, so I like going out. I like taking pictures, making memories. And Yeah.
I would say my accent and my name are unique, because when I speak and people look at me, they’re expecting a West African accent. But then I also have a little of a British accent, and then now that I’m in Texas– I have a little bit of like American ish accent. So it’s really unique because when I speak people are like “Oh, I don’t expect you to sound that way.”
And then my name. A lot of people just know me by my name, because it’s so different. It doesn’t actually have a meaning, it is just a simple name. And it’s a Portuguese name, so it’s like “Wait! You’re from West Africa and you have a Portuguese name? And you have London accent, but you live in America?” So it’s like, you know. So yeah.
Debbie: Tell me how you were met/invited to the DFWICC Church?
Claudi: It was my class friend, his name is Ajibola. He invited me to church. At first I wasn’t really open to go to church, but then I went and a girl named Miriam– she shared her faith with me. She encouraged me to study the bible. At first I was like, “umm, I’m not too sure if I wanna do this.” I was a bit hesitant at first, but then when I did the first study I realized she just wanted to build a friendship with me.
By actually showing me what it means to seek God with all of my heart, and what it is to live out the bible. And so I was able to build a great friendship with her, and the other sisters I studied the bible with in London. After that I finished the bible studies, and I realized I really wanted to commit to being a Christian woman. I was baptized July 28th, 2019. And then a month later, I moved to the U.S with a full ride scholarship to study at TCU.
I had this fellowship before I started studying the bible but, God worked in a mysterious way because after I was baptized– I moved here knowing that I was going to place membership with a church that is part of God’s movement. So that was pretty cool, to see how God planned everything out, to make me into a disciple before I moved to a DFW church, so yeah. I’ve been here for almost two years now.
Debbie: Describe your relationship with God prior to studying the Bible and how it has changed?
Claudi: Growing up I was told yes there is a god, Jesus died on the cross for my sins. And I grew up with a Catholic church, but I never read a bible. Then around my teen years in London, that was when I was curious; and I started to read more and look for churches. But I was mostly doing everything on my own, but there is no such thing as independent Christianity, right? And so when I studied the bible I was really called to the standard of the bible.
Of seeking first God’s people, his kingdom, and his righteousness, his word. That really helped me to see that I can’t do this solo; because I would go through hard times, like depression, and anxiety. But I didn’t really have anyone to show me the scriptures, to help me, to really go to God and be confident in him, knowing that I have the salvation he offers.
After I studied the bible and I was able to understand all that, I understood that if I really commit to seeking God wholeheartedly, things would change. And I started having better Quiet Times, better prayer times, and deeper prayer times. Really meaningful prayers, and with the sisters I was studying with. Really hanging out with them as well, watching their life, and their doctrine, how they lived, and what they believed in.
Which really impacted me also, and it really showed me how to live in a way that glorifies God. Yeah.
Debbie: What are some of your favorite scriptures and why?
Claudi: I really really like Isaiah 43:1-4, because I was going through a really hard time and I was just flipping through the bible. And I’m like “God, just speak to me.” This was prior to being met and invited to study the bible. Then I came across that scripture. I’m like “Wow! God thinks I am precious? He said he has created me, and he has called me, and I am his.”
That gave me a deep reassurance that even when I was going through hardship, I wasn’t alone. Even though I was not yet a disciple. It’s funny because that was the same scripture that was read to me, by the women who studied the bible with me, my first discipler, and at my baptism! And she never knew that was my favorite scripture. It’s so amazing how God is like, “Yes, I have created you Claudimira. I have Chosen you.
For this day for you to be my own. I will never leave you. And you are precious to me, and I love you.” These are the words I keep with me throughout the day, even in hardship, because I know that’s how God sees me. Way before I got to the day when I made him more.
Debbie: What advice would you give someone who has started studying the Bible or is considering it?
Claudi: I would definitely say– yes! Sometimes emotions can play hard, try to take us out. And feel like “No. I don’t really want to trust this person.” But God put that person in your life for a reason. Either you pray for it, or someone has to pray for you to be in this position, to be studying the bible.
So take the opportunity by hand, and really give your whole heart to the women, and the men you’re studying with. And really learn what God is teaching you, because it’s going to be a life changing opportunity, and it’s the best gift you can ever have. And making Jesus Lord, and repenting from your sins, and turning away, and living a Godly life is the best thing ever. Because you have the Kingdom, you have people who love you.
I mean I’m here without a physical family, the kingdom is literally my family. You know. So you get to have a family, you get to have amazing friendships, people who’s gonna push you to help you grow and stay faithful to God. So that you can make it to heaven, you know. And to stay saved when you get saved, you know.
Debbie: What do you love about the Kingdom?
Claudi: I love just the fellowship, that’s the first thing that comes to mind. You know, being a student athlete sometimes I don’t get to hang out with disciples as much. But every second I get to see disciples, I hug them, and laugh with them. And worship God. Read scriptures. Be in the battle by helping other women become disciples. That is something I take by seconds. I just treasure each moment, you know.
The fellowship, the singing, the worship, Sunday Service, the sermons, the battle. Being in a bible study and converting the hearts of so many women. And baptizing them, and keeping them faithful. It’s just a cycle that never gets old, because it’s so reassuring, and it’s amazing to see how God changes people’s hearts by his word. It’s just so powerful, and he just gives me so much faith, to know that we live in the bible. And this is a moment of God and not of men.
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