My name is Joel, and this is my story, to tell you that I am not perfect, but that I needed a Saviour.
When I reflect on my life, I relate to the prodigal son. I ran from God many times, yet He always found me. I grew up in church with amazing parents who encouraged me to follow Him, but for years I lived in two separate worlds—church and my real life. I was baptised at nine, but I didn’t truly live for God. Church became routine, not relationship.
As I got older, I drifted further. I struggled with pornography from a young age, battled with identity, and eventually walked away from church completely. Even though I found joy in playing the tenor horn—especially in church—I still chose my own path.
Without God, I felt lost, empty, and broken. At my lowest, I even had thoughts of ending my life. I searched for meaning, but nothing filled the void.
I returned to church during university and experienced healing, but after COVID, I drifted again. Pain, rejection, and ongoing struggles pulled me back into old cycles, and I believed I had missed my chance with God.
Then, in July 2025, everything changed. A video about standing before God shook me deeply. I realised I needed to surrender. Sitting in my car, I prayed and gave my life back to Him.
That Sunday, I went to church. During prayer, I broke down and felt God’s love in a way I never had before.
Since then, I’ve found freedom, peace, and purpose. God has lifted the weight I carried for so long. I’m now walking in that freedom, serving again, and rediscovering joy.