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"Let me tell you a little about myself. My life has been marked by years of alcohol and drug addiction. I’ve been in and out of prison, in and out of treatment facilities, and in and out of relationships. Today, I am a new creature in Christ. This is my third incarceration and it has redefined me in so many ways. Even incarcerated, my life is so very rich and full of joy. I have His peace that guards my heart and a wonderfully intimate relationship with Jesus. It is exciting.

My name is David and my story is very long. So, I will give you the short version of how I came to be a Discover Bible School student. My walk with God has been a long and challenging journey. I was baptized as a Catholic, raised a believer, and attended many Christian churches. I did some studies with the Jehovah's Witnesses and also attended a Lutheran church. I was reading the Bible for years as an adult. But, I never dedicated my whole life to Jesus and gave up my worldly ways.

The book of Acts tells the story of a recovering sorcerer by the name of Simon, who, shortly after his baptism, saw people receive the gift of the Holy Spirit when the disciples prayed for them. Accustomed to performing tricks for money, Simon begged the disciples to share their secret. Offering them what one can only assume was a considerable sum of money, he said, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit." (Acts 8:19) 

It would seem that "pay to play" is a very ancient practice indeed.