I was born and raised in a Christian home. I accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour when I was five years old and baptized when I was seven. I've been going to church, attending youth groups, volunteering at drop-in centres, and working at bible camps all of my life. And not until I was 17 did I fully realize what I was taking for granted.
I was living a life of compromise. In my early high school days, I compromised what I believed to be right for what felt good. I would say that being drunk isn't good, but I'd drink just enough for people not to think that I was a coward. I'd say that I don't use foul language, unless it was really, really funny. I'd say that I would never have sex before marriage, but I would do everything leading up to it. And the whole time I would be telling people that Jesus is the only way and I'd act like I was so righteous. My downfall was thinking that I was better than everyone else.
It came to the point where I believe Jesus was tired of me dragging His name through the mud, and He showed me the right way. The way that gives no room for compromise, and I found out that I didn't have to drink to be cool. That swearing isn't what makes me funny. That I didn't need to be physical to have a good relationship with a girl. After the attitude adjustment, I went back to school. Then, and only then, could I truly be salt and light unto this world.
After high school, God led me to do mission work with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), I got a job working for Willard Thiessen on the international Christian television show, It's A New Day, and I co-founded a Christian rock group called Isaiah's Answer with my childhood friend Cal Cowieson.
The thing that I know drove me to do most of this was a book I read while in YWAM called No Compromise - The Keith Green Story. His life story was so inspiring, but the title alone is what drives me to live my life for Christ the way I try to now. No Compromise!! I have to tell myself that same thing all the time. And because of those two words, I no longer listen to music that doesn't edify my spirit, I stay away from alcohol, I find no humour in hearing myself swear, and I do my best to live every day for God, not for myself. I am also extremely happy to say that I have endured and saved myself for my beautiful wife Samantha, my one and only. Before this, I had never seen so many doors opening to me as I do now - which truly makes me believe that God loves me, God cares for me. And if I humble myself, if I'm obedient and acknowledge that I can't do a thing on my own, He WILL direct my paths.
