Compelled to change

“After matriculating, I could not further my studies because I had no funding. I struggled to make ends meet because I was also unemployed. I looked for a job for a long time but nothing was working out. I became frustrated and started drinking excessively as an attempt to forget my problems. I became angry and had no peace. I always fought with people.

Once, my aunt bought a house and invited us to her housewarming party. I drank so much that I become intoxicated. The next day I was told that I had stabbed one of my friends with a bottle. He was not badly injured. After that incident, a mob came to my house and I was beaten. That is when I realised that I had to make serious changes in my life.

My mother invited me to attend services in the Universal Church. She told me that people’s lives were transforming through the power of faith. I accepted the invitation because I had nothing to lose.  My life was already miserable. In the church, I learnt about the chains of prayers and attended the services everyday because I was tired of living the way I did.

I started seeing great changes in my life. I was soon able to find a job. I stopped drinking alcohol and fighting with people. My family saw the change in me. I attended the Wednesday and Sunday services more because I realised that I needed God more than anything.

My life has completely transformed. I no longer drink alcohol, nor am I angry and I live a very peaceful life. I live in harmony with others. When I face challenges, I do not become troubled because I know that God is with me,” said Nokhwezi.