DEWAYNE
Hi, my name is Dewayne. I was born in Sheffield and enjoyed playing basketball, football, fishing and hanging out with family and friends. Raised by my mother, grandmothers, uncles and aunties, they all kept me in the church, and I was baptized at an early age.
My mom did the best she could for me and my family. She even worked multiple jobs. With my mom working all the time I had a lot of freedom to make choices and started making the wrong ones. At the time, it seemed normal and “cool” to be around drugs, alcohol, gangs and violence.
Gradually, I found myself using and selling drugs, fighting, clubbing, and in and out of jail. The people that I looked up to and considered role models were dying and going to prison. I realized that I was heading the same way.
One night, I got a phone call that I couldn’t believe. My friend told me that my little brother committed suicide. I beat myself up about it because I felt like I could have been a better example for him by showing him the right way to live. I questioned God, why did He let it happen? I started smoking and drinking more than usual. Feeling terrible and having questions, I wanted to change for the better.
Knowing I needed help, I was staying in DRM’s overnight shelter and heard about the Life Recovery Program. Though I didn’t like the fact that it was a year long, I loved that it was based on the Bible. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” With me having a background in the church and being saved, I know God and the Word was what I needed. So, I joined the program.
Since I have joined, I’ve renewed my relationship with God and rededicated my life back to Christ. A lot of the questions that I had — like why God lets so much bad happen — have been answered.
Romans 8:28 says, “We know that all things God works for good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” I’m enjoying the fellowship with my brothers in Christ, studying the Word everyday, and have joined a discipleship group, where we study and discuss the Word of God with my brothers. After I graduate, I plan on sticking around DRM and start my own discipleship group one day.
At 36 years old, I’ve been thinking about enrolling in one of the local colleges and getting a degree or trade. I also want to help the youth in the community by being a positive person that has been in tough situations and can relate to the kids going through the struggles of life.
watch video testimony: https://youtu.be/dCP__Hh9uEE
