Preacher Profile: Jeff Padia

God mercifully saved me out of a background of cheap grace, easy believe-ism, “Americanized” Christianity. I had walked an aisle during a church “revival” and was baptized at age 16. I quickly proceeded to prove myself a false convert, succumbing to the worldliness and sin that my flesh craved. I found myself in a prolonged downward spiral, increasingly wallowing in the dregs of my wickedness and rebellion against God, all the while believing I had punched my ticket through the pearly gates! I pursued every worldly thing that I thought might make me happy. I spent several years as a drunkard, regularly driving home intoxicated after nights of bar hopping.

But God, being rich in mercy, opened my eyes to see how patient and kind and merciful He had been to me in preserving my life, even though His justice could have fallen on me like a hammer. In the misery of my lowest depths, I became dreadfully aware that I was not owed another day of His mercy. It was then that God granted me eyes to see His beauty, and grace to believe in Jesus as my only hope. The riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience had, indeed, led me to repentance (Romans 2:4)! By His grace alone, I’m thankful to be His servant.

My retirement after a 26 year career as an Air Traffic Controller here in Atlanta has allowed me to focus more of my time toward evangelistic endeavors. As a member of Faith Bible Church in Sharpsburg, GA, I’ve enjoyed regularly proclaiming the glories of Jesus Christ and His gospel along with our nursing home visitation team. Over the past year, the Lord has enabled me to start an abortion outreach ministry within our church, Rescue the Perishing (RtP). More and more of our congregants are becoming involved in this ministry, to the praise of His glorious grace!

My first outing with Sports Fan Outreach International was at the 2016 Kentucky Derby. I was also blessed to participate in SFOI 1000 through preaching at the Atlanta Falcons home games this past season. Lord willing, I’ll be attending the 2017 Derby outreach!