I had a good life before becoming a Christian. Some of my favourite childhood memories are of playing hockey and football and going up to our cottage. Although I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, I attended Sunday school a few times and heard the gospel. It didn’t make a huge impression on me at the time. After graduating from high school, I went straight to work in the printing industry. I got married at 23, and we have two daughters. I am very proud of who they have become. My wife has been there for me through good times and bad—she’s the heart and soul of our family. But it still felt like something was missing, as if I didn’t have a purpose.

Losing my dad in 2004 was the lowest point of my life. We did everything together—went to the cottage, to hockey and Blue Jays games—he was my best friend. He had a rare blood disorder and it took him quickly, catching us all off guard. It was tough. I started struggling with depression and severe anxiety. It was hard to go to work. I couldn’t even go outside—I was afraid of everybody. I felt lost.

Trousdale and Martin White help at Whitby CC’s men’s breakfast

About five years ago, a friend invited us to church. My wife met Martin White through work. He invited us to the New Beginnings dinner at The Salvation Army’s Whitby Community Church, Ont. I was amazed at how friendly and welcoming everyone was. We started helping out with the dinner every month, and then Martin introduced me to the men’s breakfast. Eventually, we started attending the church. My first impression was—this is where I belong. This was the church for me.

I gave my life to Christ two years ago, in February 2018. I’d heard some powerful testimonies at the men’s breakfast, and realized how much God had done for me throughout my life—that he’d always been there. It felt like he was saying, “It’s time.” I told Major Ken Percy, our corps officer, I wanted to be saved, and we met in his office on a Saturday and prayed together. I felt different immediately—a sense of peace. This moment had a huge impact on me. Jesus is everything to me now. He’s first.

I didn’t know much about God or the Bible. It was all a brand new experience. Major Percy took me under his wing. He gave me a beginner’s Bible and we studied it together. I became a senior soldier a few months later, because The Salvation Army felt like home. All my friends at church pitched in to give me a uniform.

God has moved in my life very quickly over the past two years. I’ve been introduced to new people, new ideas and new music, and become stronger in my faith and knowledge of Christ. Majors Ken and Donette Percy have supported my spiritual growth in so many ways, allowing me to help lead the men’s ministry and support the youth ministry. And every month, I help Martin with the New Beginnings dinner.

God has changed my life. I’m more at peace with the world and others around me. I used to be a pessimist, always looking at the negative. Now I wake up feeling optimistic, thankful for all that God has done for me. I am alive in Jesus. I feel a sense of purpose. No matter what I face, I know that God will always be with me. It’s been amazing.