Five-times NBA Champion with Lakers and legend Magic Johnson (Earvin Johnson, Jr) testifies to The Gospel Herald how God play an important role in turning his life around with thankfulness to many blessings.
"As for me, God is the most important one." Johnson shared how his faith has helped shaped his life. "Because God has blessed me everyday and it is a great reminder. He has blessed the work that I do and my employees, my achievements are clearly blessings from Him."
"God loves me so much, at anytime He is good, so I go to Him with a thankful heart everyday." Johnson emphasized.
Johnson roared the NBA previously but due to his promiscuity, he contracted HIV and the news traveled worldwide. However, not many were aware of the fact that he had dedicated himself to the Lord with the influence of his wife and cleaned up his act. He also contributes to the society with the outstanding achievements from his business, ready to project positive influence.
It is astonishing that the AIDS virus has been dormant within Johnson's body for 21 years without threatening his life. He still takes his medicine, preserves his integrity and maintains a healthy diet/living plan but he sees it all as God 's blessing to be able to live until now.
His believing wife 'Cookie' s faithfulness and unrelenting love to Johnson is the key in leading Johnson to repent and commit to the Lord. 21 years ago, when Cookie first heard from Johnson the news of him contracting HIV, she was already 2 months pregnant. Fortunately, she was unscathed from the virus.
For many families, the outbreak of HIV leads to broken relationship, but the 'Magic' Couple did not part ways just because of such setback, they held hands together through the thick and thin.
Cookie could have chosen the divorce route and collect a large divorce payout, but because of her faith, she chose to forgive her husband's unfaithfulness and was willing to fight alongside with him through the fear of HIV.
"I sincerely hope that God will protect him and cure him so that we may live together for the rest of our lives. And also we can bear more children and carry on with a joyful life." Cookie expressed.
Misfortune tests the sincerity. Seeing it from his wife that her love is sincere and strong, without any holdback, he testified that her love to be the source of his strength. "From God and her life, I received enough strength to fight the battle with virus.'
As a believer, Johnson regularly attends church. He also contributes his wealth for the cause of HIV research and prevention.
[Editor's note: Jennifer Tien contributed to the report.]
Click below to watch the interview clip:
