I looked happy but I was dying inside

James’ parents passed away when he and his siblings were very young, leaving them to be raised by their relatives. The pain of losing his parents led James down a path of addiction. By the age of 10, he was already drinking alcohol and smoking dagga. He spent most of his time partying until he eventually dropped out of school.

 

“Since we did not work, my friends and I resorted to robbing people to feed our addictions. I often drank and smoked before committing any crime to pluck up the courage. I needed money, and I was willing to do whatever it took to get it. However, after one of my friends was killed when a crowd attacked him after he was caught robbing people, I decided to stop. I was also addicted to pornography and masturbating. I could not start or end my day without watching pornography or engaging in masturbation.

 

I was invited to attend services in the Universal Church by the members who were evangelising in the area where I stayed. On my first day in the church, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace, as if a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. That feeling prompted me to return. I engaged in the chains of prayers and spent most of my time in the church. I prayed for my finances on Mondays, and soon afterwards, I got a job. 

 

I continued attending church services and the pastor often spoke about receiving the Holy Spirit and how He transforms people’s lives completely. I decided to get baptised in water because I wanted to start afresh in God’s presence and I wanted Him to take charge of my life. 

 

I no longer drink alcohol, smoke dagga, watch pornography, or masturbate. I am also a law-abiding citizen. God now provides for me and takes care of me. God is in control of my life,” said James.