I grew up in a Christian home where Sundays were sacred. We woke early, dressed our best, and went to church—rain or shine. My mother, a schoolteacher, made sure faith was part of our rhythm. I attended Sunday school, sang in the choir, and even became a youth leader. Yet beneath all that activity, my understanding of God remained shallow.
Then came college.
As a student-athlete, my weekends were consumed by games. Performance replaced worship, and slowly, almost unnoticed, I drifted away from my relationship with Jesus.
After graduation, I became a teacher and coach. My routine shifted—Friday nights were for drinking, Saturdays for games, and Sundays for myself. Church became a habit without impact. I attended, listened, and left unchanged.
At the same time, I immersed myself in hobbies—racing, biking, trail riding. These gave me recognition and identity, but they also became idols. I did not see that I was being shaped more by the world than by God.
When I eventually married and had children, I failed to lead my family well. Though physically present, I was emotionally absent. Anger, frustration, and bitterness took root in my heart. I claimed to be a Christian, yet my words and actions told a different story.
I became verbally and emotionally abusive toward my wife. My children grew afraid of me—they would panic at the sound of my motorbike approaching home. Our house was filled with tension, especially on weekends. I was slowly destroying the very family entrusted to me.
Still, I looked for answers in the wrong places. I even thought that separation and personal freedom might bring peace. I was mistaken.
One Saturday, instead of riding, I attended a parent talk at my son’s school. I came ready to criticize—but instead, I broke down in tears. For the first time, I saw clearly the man I had become.
That day, I prayed a simple prayer: “Lord, send someone to help me understand You.”
Not long after, in January 2023, my wife and I were invited to a couples’ retreat. I went reluctantly, even joking about it. But during one session, God met me in a way I could not ignore. The weight of my sin, pride, and failure overwhelmed me.
Then I realized something unexpected—the same speaker from the parent talk was also my facilitator at the retreat. God had answered my prayer.
Through that encounter, I was challenged to pursue God daily. I began a simple practice of spending time with Him—praying, reading Scripture, and reflecting. What started as a discipline became a relationship.
Over time, God changed me.
Harsh words were replaced with words that build. Fear in our home gave way to peace. We began having family devotions. My faith became real, not routine.
Today, by God’s grace, my life has new direction. I start my mornings in prayer. I look for opportunities to share Christ, even with my students. My wife and I now serve together, helping others grow in faith.
God did not remove my passions—He redeemed them. What once centered on self now points to Him.
I am still a work in progress, but I am no longer the man I used to be.
As Scripture says, “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24).
I am Conrad Enriquez—a husband, a father, and a sinner saved by grace.
CONRAD ENRIQUEZ is a Physical Education teacher and a Sports Coordinator at Manggahan High School, Department of Education in Pasig City. Together with wife Melai, they serve as volunteer workers at the CCF NXTGEN Children’s Ministry to disciple kids from toddlers to pre-teens by creating a fun, safe and Christ-centered environment where they can discover God’s purpose for their lives.
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