by Andrew Perez
I was raised in a Christian school, where I participated in mission trips, retreats, and Sunday school.
During this time, I even prayed to accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. I was also the captain of our school’s volleyball team and an officer in our student organization, which I thought painted a picture of a “perfect life.”
In reality, I came from a broken family and never met my father—a man I longed for, to love and be loved by. As a child, I grew up without a father figure to guide me through my formative years.
I was often teased about my identity and had no one to confide in. The confusion in my life deepened after I experienced repeated sexual molestation during my athletic days.
By the time I reached college, I had started drinking, smoking, and getting absorbed in computer games. I had short-term relationships with women, struggling with issues around my identity.
Eventually, I began using dating apps to connect with men, engaging in immoral acts in secret, away from my family and friends. This lifestyle soon took a toll on my academics.
My grades dropped, I lost my scholarship, and I failed to graduate. I cried out to God, and by His grace, I received another scholarship at a different school.
Though I tried returning to church, I still led a double life.
When I started my career, I met a man and moved in with him. I thought this relationship would last, but it soon turned toxic, leaving me with suicidal thoughts.
I knew I needed help and cried out to God for a way out. Then, I was invited to a Bible study at work.
I began attending regularly, learning more about Jesus, and praying for a church community.
Passing by Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF) on my way to work, I decided to attend a service. I arrived early and joined the pre-service prayer. As I prayed for direction, I heard a clear whisper saying, “LET GO.”
From that moment, I committed to surrender everything to God. I ended my immoral lifestyle and devoted my life fully to Jesus.
God slowly transformed my heart, making me want to seek Him more. He blessed me with a discipleship group and a leader who accepted me without judgment.
I attended a True Life retreat and a singles leadership conference, where I felt God’s call to start my own DGroup. I began volunteering in the Sports Ministry while praying for God to provide members for my DGroup.
In February 2019, He entrusted me with my first member, and over time, more joined. During the pandemic, God gave me the courage to share the gospel with my brother, his family, and later with my mother.
By His grace, I also met my “God’s best,” and we are prayerfully looking forward to marriage in His perfect time.
Currently, I lead a total of 10 members in two DGroups and continue to share God’s word with athletes across different universities.
Looking back, I see how God’s faithfulness has been my constant guide.
My life was a mess, but Jesus turned it around, bringing me from spiritual death to life. I have learned that my identity is found in Christ alone.
As Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
ANDREW PEREZ is deeply passionate about sharing the gospel and testifying to the transforming power of Christ in his life. He currently leads two Discipleship Groups, and he continues to pray for growth in these groups. Through his leadership, he encourages each member to pursue a life fully committed to Jesus, living as true disciples who multiply and reach others for Jesus Christ.
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