I come from a Christian family. After high school, I moved to Apeldoorn to pursue top-level sports. I did athletics and specialised in the 400 metres and I achieved national and international successes. At that time, when people asked me if I believed in God, I said yes, although I didn’t live by it. I lived with my girfriend, we weren’t married, nor was I faithful to her. I lied regularly, was selfish, adulterous and a thief.

When that relationship broke up, I found a pocket Bible (New Testament) that I had received years ago from a brother in Christ who is now my best friend. I started reading the Bible and praying again. I had a half hour train comute, which allowed me to read the Bible and pray.

I eventually moved to Arnhem, got a new trainer, and met my wife. She was a Christian, who had a relationship with Jesus and we went to church together regularly. When I quit top-level sports, I moved to Zwolle where she lived. I was baptised,and from then on, gave my life completely to Jesus. A love for the Word of God has developed and my relationship with Jesus has grown. I have started to seek God in a deeper way and make my faith more practical. Thanks to my friends, whom God has put in my path, I have made steps in faith, together with the Holy Spirit, to make the spiritual world become more tangible.

I have changed from being a liar, a cheater, a thief, someone who was selfish, to someone who is now generous, thinks of others, is faithful and trustworthy. Jesus found, touched, and changed me, and continues to do so to this day. Reading His Word, spending time with Him, doing what His Word says, living out His love and stepping out in faith keeps me close to Him. The Holy Spirit is working in me and through me to become more and more like Jesus. I live my life to the glory of His name. Hallelujah! Glory be to God!