I grew up in a normal Christian home, attended church every Sunday until I finished high school.

A few years into my new job a work colleague asked for some support as his wife had served him with divorce papers. He invited me over that Friday night and after spiking my drink, he raped me.

My life took a 180 degree turn. My manhood had been taken from me, my girlfriend left me and I questioned my own sexuality. Too ashamed to speak to anyone I turned to pornography which led me into depression.

By that December, I decided it best to end my life, took an overdose of insulin, gave up a prayer of apology and went to sleep. The next morning I woke up and the enemy impressed upon me how much of a failure I was and that I couldn’t even kill myself.

Each day I went to work fearful, knowing that I had to face this person. At some time I decided I would punish him for what he did. I started body building, using steroids and grew from 76kgs to 100kgs and became very strong.

I was invited to a youth gathering at a church and renewed my relationship with God. I started serving in His Kingdom but realised in time that there was something still not right. After a message by a revered pastor, I knew I had to forgive that man.

Not long after I went up to the guy. He thought I was going to take him apart, I saw the fear in his eyes but with Jesus standing with me, I forgave him.

Philippians 4:13

‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’