Yumiko describes being very troubled on the inside. She thought she was worthless, she felt very alone and hopeless, and she had suicidal thoughts. Yumiko decided to try going to church. At first, she found it hard to hear that God loved her. Yumiko describes encountering Jesus and learning how He bore her sins and pain. She has found true hope and joy in Him.
This story was produced by MovingWorks, Austen, Texas, USA.
Nathan shares how an older kid sexually abused him while he was very young. He talks about the guilt and shame he felt. Nathan describes that the abuse awakened a curiosity in him – which moved from pornography – to paying for sex – by the time he was a young adult. He knew he had gone too far, and he felt utterly hopeless. Just as he was about to throw himself onto train tracks, God brought to mind a verse from the Bible he had learned as a kid – “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:32). This was the turning point in Nathan’s life. He believed in the gospel and God started rebuilding Nathan’s life. Today Nathan is married with children and works as a family counseling pastor.
This story was produced by Park Community Church, Chicago, USA.
Joe came from a strong Catholic background. He had a fear of God, went to confession many times, but felt so hopeless because of failing God’s standards for living. Joe resigned himself to thinking he would go to hell when he died. Joe talks about getting in with the wrong crowd, all the while still thinking about God. In time, God used Joe’s wife to expose him to the truth of the gospel and Christ’s atoning death and finished work for his sins. Joe was rejected by his father for leaving the Catholic tradition to follow Christ. Having once been unsure about the phrase ‘born again’ – Joe now is happy to share that he is a born again Christian and Jesus Christ is number one in his life.
This story was produced by MBM Rooty Hill , Sydney, Australia.
Meet Lauren. Lauren describes how she was a very proudful person who pushed God away, even though she wanted people to think she was a good Christian. Lauren shares the rocky start to her marriage – including an affair. By sharing her sin with her husband, God drew Lauren into a personal relationship with Him. Now she understands and embraces her need for Jesus as her personal Savior and her need for a relationship with God.
This story was produced by Saylorville Church , Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
Meet Lily. Lily describes a very traumatic childhood and her strained relationship with her alcoholic and abusive father. Lily talks about her deep emotional pain and years of hiding what occurred in her home growing up. She led a party lifestyle at college and took drugs. Lily also tried to commit suicide because of her unhappiness and hopelessness. Lily felt anger toward God. God did not let go of Lily, and through the influence of her Christian boyfriend and time spent studying the Bible – God brought Lily to an understanding of who He was, and of His love for her. Lily understood she was a sinner in need of Jesus’ saving work and she trusted in Him.
This story was produced by Saylorville Church , Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
Nick was born without arms and legs. He was bullied at school to the point where he tried to kill himself aged 10. Nick desperately wanted purpose for his life and wanted to understand why God would allow his disability. Nick trusted in Jesus as a teenager for the forgiveness of his sins. He talks about how God has given him great understanding to see his physical limitations. Nick had no idea how God was planning to use his life – now Nick is an international speaker. He is sure of God’s love for him, and challenges those watching his video to trust in God’s good plans for them too.
This story was produced by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Tomasz describes the devastating toll that his alcohol addiction took on his life: he lost several jobs, his marriage fell apart, he became homeless. Tomasz had moved from his native Poland to England. In desperation and hopelessness – he tried to kill himself several times. He had been brought up in a Communist country and had been an atheist all his life. Tomasz was homeless and found hospitality and a welcome at a church. He began to read about Jesus Christ and responded in belief to what Christ had done for him. He now has the joy of being a follower of Christ and is set free from his old ways.
Tomasz’ story was produced by Westminster Chapel, London, UK.
Lindsey describes how she invited Jesus into her life at a young age. She shares that she got pregnant with her boyfriend and chose abortion because of fear. Lindsey describes the mental turmoil; guilt and secrecy that heavily impacted her life. God used Lindsey’s husband and a Bible study, to show her His love and the forgiveness that He provides. She also learned how self-forgiveness is a lie, as it’s God alone who has the authority to forgive. Lindsey is now set free from her past and able to enjoy her relationships with her husband, children, and most importantly, God.
Lindsey’s story was produced by Saylorville Church, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.