Pieter Brits

My life before

Even though I went to church with my parents, I never had a personal relationship with the Lord. I didn’t even realize it, but I was running away from Him—deeper and deeper into depression.

Because of a medical condition, I had very low self-esteem. I always felt like people were laughing at me. I still remember the lonely days at school, without any real friends. My student years were painful and empty without the Lord, and at one point, I even thought about ending my life.

One day, a friend invited me to a special spiritual weekend for students. I was the official photographer at Pretoria College of Education, so they wanted me to bring my camera. I didn’t really know what a “spiritual weekend” meant—but my camera meant money, and where there was money, I wanted to be.

That weekend, some students shared how they had accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. Honestly, I was upset. I thought they were lying. I believed I was already a Christian because I had been baptized as a baby and went to church sometimes with my parents.

How my life changed

When the weekend ended and I was back in my hostel room, everything felt dark and hopeless again. The room was a mess, my bed was unmade, and failed photos were lying everywhere. I felt completely miserable and wanted to scream.

In desperation, I took my old Bible from the shelf, wiped off the dust, and opened it randomly. I started reading the Gospel of John. Then I prayed: “God, if You are real, please speak to me!”

But after reading about 10 verses, I didn’t understand anything. My heart was too full of darkness. So I prayed again, asking God one more time to speak to me—if He really exists.

Then something amazing happened.

When I got to John 1:5, I suddenly felt goosebumps all over. The verse said: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” For the first time in my life, I understood that I was heading for hell. I realized that I was the darkness—and God’s light was trying to shine into my life.

When I read that verse again, I saw another truth: The darkness cannot overcome the light! Like a child, I began to cry. (You must understand—by then, I had forgotten how to cry.)

I fell on my knees next to my bed and prayed for over an hour. I didn’t want to go to hell.

Finally, I prayed a prayer of faith:

I asked God to forgive all my sins.
I opened the door of my heart to Jesus.
I invited Him into my life—just like the students did the weekend before.

When I stood up, everything felt new. It was like the old me had died, and a brand-new person was born.

My life today

I had been running in the wrong direction for 21 years. But that day, I made a U-turn—and I’ve been running in the right direction ever since. Now, 51 years later, I’m still following Jesus and living in victory.

It wasn’t about me trying to change all my bad habits. The Holy Spirit started changing me from the inside out. He showed me what was wrong in my life, and over time, I lost the desire for the things that used to pull me away from God.

Today, the most important thing for me is this:

Every person deserves to hear the Gospel and have a chance to accept Jesus as their personal Saviour and Lord.

I’m Still Growing

I’m not perfect. I’m not an angel. I still face temptations and problems, and sometimes I cry. But now, I can bring everything to Jesus—He understands completely.

I know I am a child of God.
I know my sins are forgiven.
I know I have eternal life.
And I know that when I die, I will be with my King forever!

Since April 1974, the Lord’s light has overcome the darkness in my life. Today I keep running this race with endurance—my eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Dear Friend,

If you’re willing to trust the Lord with your life, I encourage you to take a step.

Fill out the web form, talk to a mentor, or read more about the Gospel message. One of our mentors will respond to your questions.

Just like my life became NEW and ALIVE, yours can too!

If you have doubts or struggles, share them. We’re here to listen and help.

Don’t forget: “There is still Hope!”