I was born in Winnipeg in December of 1959. I was the fifth of six children, and the first boy in our family.

Our home was a difficult place to be. My parents struggled in their marriage; my father, who at one time professed to be a Christian, had started drinking around this time. My dad would come home drunk in the evenings, and I remember that sometimes I’d hide behind my mother to keep away from him.

My mother developed breast cancer and then died when I was seven years old. This caused more havoc in our home. Around this time, I started smoking and stealing.

In the fall of 1969, my father gave us up to become wards of Family Services. The following spring he died too. There we were—six siblings, and no parents. It was then decided among our relatives that they w

ould take us in. Because there were still five of us at home, some of us were sent to live in different places. I was sent far away from home to the United States to live with my uncle in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

I arrived in Benton Harbor that summer (1970). I can recall going to a camp meeting in Flint, Michigan. One particular evening a boy about my age went to the front when the preacher gave the altar call, inviting sinners to repent. I asked him later what had happened. He replied, “Why don’t you find out?” And the next evening, as the Lord spoke to my heart, I too responded to the altar call, and asked Jesus to live in my heart as my Saviour. This was something very special for me. Even though I had no parents, and was living far from all I knew and loved, I knew that I now had a very special Friend.

I struggled as a normal 10 year old with many things. But sadly, my spiritual life gave way to rebellion. I moved back to Winnipeg and into the home of foster parents. That did not work out either, and so I was moved several times, until I ended up on a farm close to Winnipeg. These foster parents were bootleggers, selling alcohol on the weekends and in the evenings.

During this time, I didn’t want to hear about God or church. I wanted to run away from God. At 14, I started getting into serious trouble by breaking things, eventually stealing cars and breaking into a house. When I turned 16, I bought a beautiful ‘69 Firebird hoping somehow that it would bring me the happiness I longed for. I did all kinds of things, but every once in a while an inner voice would whisper, “you used to be happy,” reminding me of when I had been a Christian. I just ignored the voice, but I remained unhappy. I didn’t want anything to do with God, and in my anger I would point my finger toward heaven and shout at Him to leave me alone.

But still I looked for the happiness that I once had. At school I was encouraged to participate in sports, and I even became one of the best athletes there. I tried alcohol, kept busy with entertainment, cars, and sports, yet the inner voice always reminded me, ever so quietly, “You used to be happy.”

Finally I did hit rock bottom, not knowing where to turn to . . . except back to the Lord. I had tried it on my own, but was never truly happy. Sin ruled my life. As the Lord patiently drew me to Him, I finally, as a 17-year-old chose to come back to Him. Those first years were very tough, but the Lord had immense patience with me. He waited for me, carried me—never gave up loving me—He did everything possible to help me.

I am now 46 years old, and have served the Lord since that time. I have been married for over 22 years. The Lord has blessed us with 3 great children. In 1999 we (my wife and I) responded to the call to enter into the ministry of the Church of God. We first served in the Church of God in Kelowna, BC. Now we are living in Ontario and are serving the Church of God in Aylmer.

As I look back over the nearly 30 years that I’ve served the Lord, I must say that at times the road has been rough. I am at times stubborn. At times I still want my own way. However, I am always learning to trust totally in the divine leading of my wonderful Master. He knows and is more than able to supply what I need. I know He never expects too much, or that the road will never be too rough, because I know that He is my loving Father in Heaven who promises to take care of the orphans.

You see, even though my earthly parents died, my heavenly Father was there. He loved me then and He still has so much patience with me.

Yes, I am glad to serve the Lord!