EASO JOHN ( Jr )
I was born in Bombay India to a Syrian Christian family . My father and mother had returned from USA after completing their studies there. My family believes that our forefathers can be traced to the first few converts 2000 years ago when St. Thomas came to Kerala , India . I was brought us in luxury but I had no peace in my life. There was an emptiness inside of me. I began searching for peace through cigarettes , alcohol and pranks. I became very rebellious. Reading the bible made no sense to me and I hated Sunday school. I began reading material that contradicted the bible. I spent 10 years in Delhi before my father moved down South to Madras, Tamil Nadu , India . Many religious heads from various denominations used to come to our home to pay respects to my father and have a taste of my mothers cooking . I had many questions on the bible and I used to ask these eminent guests. Sadly none of them could answer my questions. Many used to run away from me. In my quest for the truth and for inner peace at least two bishops and a few pastors foundation was shaken so much that they said I would burn in hell. Religious heads were petrified to meet me and one day one of them told me that Jesus was only a fictitious person and that the bible was a bunch of stories. I was consumed with anger and it burned in me. I had no peace at all . I got into many fights and arguments.
I was practicing yoga and meditation . I began practicing Transental meditation and had many out of body experiences (OBE ). I pursued Eastern philosophies like Zen Buddhism and other religions. I tried opening my third eye (Kundilini) I learnt boxing ,Karatae , Tae Kwan Do , Indian wrestling and stick fighting . I got peace but it lasted only a few hours. Nothing could give me permanent peace.
One day I attended a Youth camp organized by our Marthoma church . I went with a 4 inch knife strapped to my leg . The youth were singing a song about laying ones burdens at the feet of Jesus and that Jesus would give us everlasting peace. It was weird. Here I was a Christian born to Christian parents, who was given child baptism and who was brought up the traditional way but I could not understand Jesus or the bible. As the days progressed their songs began touching my hard heart. In particular a man named Simon Iype seemed to have that Peace that I was looking for. When I asked him he said that it was Jesus who gave him that Peace. I was baffled and confused. I was born a Christian too , my name Easo meant Jesus but why did I not have that Peace which he had ??? Didn't the Bishop and the men of God tell me that Jesus was only a story and the bible was not to be fully believed ?
On the last night of the camp I knelt alone and I said aloud , " Jesus , I am a sinner. I believe that God your Father sent you to be born of the Virgin Mary on this earth. You were nailed on the cross for sinners like me and the sins of the world were placed upon you. You paid the price of sin and your soul went to hell. But because it was not your own sin , hell could not hold you. You took my place. So, Jesus wash my sins away with your blood. Forgive me and make me your child . I believe that you rose from the grave , you rose to heaven and sit today at the right hand of God the father. Amen" There was no immediate change. But I felt a peace I have never experienced before. 1 John 1 : 7 to 10 , John 16 : 33 , John 15 : 4 .
It was definitely different from the peace I had before. I was filled with a joy I had never experienced before. I went about declaring this good news to everyone I came across. That was in August 1979 and I am still doing it today. Are you searching for peace, for joy, for guidance , for a friend ??? Friend let me tell you , Jesus can give you Peace - the kind that you have never experienced before. (Gospel of John 1:12,13 / 3: 3 ,36 , 1 John 5 : 11 to 13 , Romans 3: 23, 6:23 , 10:9&10) . So why don't you seek & accept Jesus !?!
I had an immense thirst for the word of God and would go to great lengths to study more. The Holy Spirit began to teach me and also lead me to Gods servants who could instruct me. Signs wonders and miracles began to occur as I ministered Gods word in faith . Then God led me to marry Nancy an Iranian believer who came to the Lord around the same time as I did. Together we continue to fulfil Gods calling in our lives. God is so good ! I love people asking us questions on the bible and I love answering them as the Holy Spirit leads and guides us.
You can read a more detailed testimony in our book titled ,'Are you born again ? The secret of a triumphant life in this world.'