I was a very sick child from a young age. I had severe asthma and, as a result, I was hospitalized three or four times per year. I was told that I would not be able to get involved in sports or any type of physical activity. My health was always a major concern to my family.

At the age of 15, my parents separated. This was extremely hard on me. I began drinking, taking drugs and doing whatever I could to escape reality. I was very angry with my father and I blamed him completely for what had happened (I know it was two sided, but I blamed him). When I was 18, my mom (who I stayed with after my dad left) passed away unexpectedly. I was left alone to raise my brother who, at the time, was 15 years old. This added to my anger. I felt like, if there was a God, why would He let all these things happen to me and to my family? I directed a lot of anger towards God for this.

When I was 24 years old, I got a job at Scotiabank, where I met the woman who would later become my wife. She was attending a church and, after a few months of dating, told me, “I will never let you come between me and my faith.” This really hit me. I had never heard anything like that before. I wanted to know more about the church she was attending and this faith that was obviously very important to her. I attended the church with her one Sunday morning and was touched immediately. I continued to attend and, four weeks later, I gave my heart to the Lord. I immediately felt a load lifted from my shoulders. I saw everything in my life in a new way. The same God that I blamed for all the bad things in my life came into my life and erased the pain I was feeling. I felt a renewed hope and peace come over me. I no longer felt that I needed to carry the pain and regret.

I have been a Christian now for 17 years. God has always been faithful in my life. I have renewed health. I take part in 56k bike rides annually and do 5k runs once or twice a week; exercise is lifestyle now. I am doing exercises that I was always told I would never do as a result of my failing health. I have a great relationship with my Dad, and I have seen numerous miracles in my family over the last 17 years. I have been blessed over and over again in this amazing walk with God. I have a wonderful family and look forward to a great future!