story

Faniry Andrianaval-omionona

“If you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you.”

JEREMIAH 29:13

Hello, my name is Faniry. I live in Bayonne, the southwest of France. I am married to Nathalie, and we have four children.

I grew up in a very modest family in Madagascar, without a father. Although I had heard about Jesus, I had no relationship with him. Hanging out with friends, drinking, and smoking were my main activities.

At the age of 16, I had the opportunity to come to France, hoping to find a better future. Everything was new and wonderful because, in addition to being far from the life I was fleeing, I was in a relationship with the one who would become my wife. I occasionally went to her church with her without really being interested.

One day, I found myself in a desperate situation because I had to leave this new life and be separated from her. After exhausting all options and with my back against the wall, I turned to God for the first time, remembering a phrase I had heard at church that said, “Jesus is never late.”

That night, my life was turned upside down. I asked God for forgiveness for my sins, begged Him to help me, and surrendered my life to Him. I felt a peace I had never known before.

God kept His promise because not only did He get me out of that situation, but He also gave me a fresh start. I have been experiencing His love for 23 years now. Of course, there have been difficult times, but He has always been good, He has always been faithful, and He has never been late.

Recently, I was reflecting on the journey with God since my conversion and how He led me to Him. I especially remembered that when I was between 7 and 10 years old in Madagascar, there was a boy living with us who shared his faith with me. I remember praying and reading the Bible with him.

As a child, I believe a seed was planted in my heart. I realized that it was God who created the circumstances for me to draw near to Him until I found Him.

Today, I am 42 years old and, in turn, I share God’s love with those around me. I plant seeds and pray for the people I meet, knowing that it is God who makes a way in their hearts just as He did in mine.

God says, “If you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you.”

Jeremiah 29:13