"I felt worthless and depressed."

My dad was an alcoholic. I remember one night when I was asleep, he dragged me out of bed and started fighting me. He took all of his anger, aggression, and frustration out on me, and I felt completely helpless.

We never sat together as a family to eat. Because there was no peace, joy and tranquility at home, I had to find it somewhere else. That was when I started to involve myself with criminal activities, going out with friends, and being around of people that were bad influences.

Deep inside, there was an emptiness that nothing could fill. I felt worthless and depressed, so I tried to fill that void with nightclubs, women, friends, and temporary pleasures. Instead, it only brought more problems into my life and my family.

My mom and I barely spoke because she was under a lot of stress at work. She worked double shifts just to pay the bills and put food on the table. Meanwhile, my dad wasn't working. He would ask my mom for money, only to spend it on alcohol.

Without a father figure at home, I thought it was my responsibility to provide for the family while my mom was at work. Sadly, I chose the wrong path. I turned to stealing and other criminal activities.

Eventually, my actions caught up with me. Because of unpaid criminal fines, the authorities came demanding the money I owed, and I had to involve my mother and siblings in the consequences of my actions. I was disappointed in myself. I felt powerless, and I knew I needed a fresh start because I was tired of the life I was living.

Everything began to change when I was invited to the Universal Church through the youth group. At first, I only came to play football, but I immediately noticed how welcoming, happy, and energetic everyone was. It was the kind of life I had always wanted.

I started attending the services, listening to testimonies, and seeing changes in my own life. I knew I had to let go of everything that was dragging me down. However, overthinking and constant doubts delayed my transformation.

Although I spent nearly eight years in the church, I was living on autopilot. Everything around me was changing, but nothing was changing inside me. I wasn't reading my Bible consistently, praying as I should, or truly seeking the Holy Spirit.

Then my son was born, and it became a wake-up call. I was now a father, and I knew I had to set a different example. I couldn't repeat the mistakes I had witnessed growing up.

When the Campaign of Israel was announced, I decided to reset my spiritual life completely. I gave everything—my mind, my soul, and all my strength. I chose to do everything I had been neglecting because I wanted a genuine relationship with Him.

Then I received the Holy Spirit. An indescribable joy filled my heart, and I no longer needed the approval or validation of other people. Having God within me became more than enough.

After that, I began fighting for my family's transformation. I surrendered them on the Altar and trusted God to work in their lives.

Today, our whole family is in the presence of God, and we can truly talk to one another. We didn't always see eye to eye, and there used to be constant arguments between us. But now we enjoy being together, and whenever problems arise, we face them through our faith.

Today, I'm a completely different person. I have peace. I'm no longer agitated, and I no longer feel the need to seek validation or please other people. I no longer have to look over my shoulder or turn to shortcuts or criminal activities. The peace I had been searching for all my life, I found through the Holy Spirit.

God has given me a new life.

— Conrad Mutege