Perry Johnson’s conversion testimony

by Pastor Stephen Radke

Thirty years ago, on a Sunday morning at Areyonga, Perry experienced a profound vision of Jesus that transformed his life. ‘He sent the Holy Spirit,’ Perry recalls. ‘He changed me, and I became a church cleaner.’

Perry’s journey took him from church cleaner to evangelist, and now he spends his time encouraging people in the faith. His evangelistic work began alongside Pastor Michael Tjapiard from Stirling. ‘I went around with Pastor Michael, telling everyone the Good News about Jesus,’ he explains. They visited Alcoota (Engawala) before the church building existed, and were joined by Pastor Christopher Tjanama to encourage the community. ‘The Holy Spirit teaches me once I am listening to his word.’

Perry is now learning to read the Anmatyerr language. ‘I am learning all about reading the English [Bible] at Nungalinya [College in Darwin],’ he says. ‘Next year, I would like to learn more about the Lord Jesus, because of what he has done in my life. I want to learn about him and [about] reading language.’ With support from Richard Morton, Perry has been working to improve his reading skills.

‘When I read, when I sing, I feel the presence of the Lord. I feel the Holy Spirit. I am baptised now, because I have been learning from these pastors.’

Today, Perry continues his calling as an evangelist at Wari Wari, Mount Allan.

Pastor Stephen Radke is a FRM Support Worker.