My name is Bruno Petrović. I moved from Bosnia in 1997 when I was 11 years old. I didn’t know English and it was therefore difficult for me to have what most would consider a normal childhood. My parents did their best to get a job and to make sure we had a home, but during that time I was left by myself quite a bit. In the times that I was alone, it developed a curiosity within me. Since I lacked proper guidance and attention, I turned to the ways of the world.
My darkness started early at around age 13. I started smoking marijuana and it escalated from just marijuana to harder drugs as time progressed. All the sin that I was living in led me down a road of darkness and misery. When I was 17, I was a witness as my best friend was murdered in front of me. This accident led me even further astray. I eventually got kicked out of high school and life was getting the best of me. To cope, I just got higher and increased the severity of my addiction.
I went to work immediately after I dropped out, but I was on drugs the whole time. I thought I could function if I worked, but I was losing everything slowly but surely. Everything I did have; the enemy was creeping in to take it slowly but surely. My lifestyle of sin and addiction led to me losing custody of my daughter. It escalated my depression and my addiction even more. I made a million different excuses to keep using because I simply just didn’t want to deal with the pain and damage that my life consisted of. I went through many institutions and rehabs throughout the years.
Eventually, I had no one and nothing to turn to except God. I prayed and He answered me. I committed my life to Christ and since I have done so I feel joy, happiness and peace again. I have less material things right now in my life than I have ever had, but I am more fulfilled than I ever have been. I am truly free. I have liberty.
My daughter Audrey is back in my life. I see her regularly and we are building a healthy relationship. It might take some time, but she doesn’t have to explain why her daddy isn’t around anymore. She now knows her dad loves her and didn’t give up.
Jesus saved me and gave me another chance at life, and I want to take full advantage. I want to be all that God has called me to be and to lay hold of everything that He has in store for me.
Find help today →This testimony reflects Bruno’s own experience. Every person’s journey is different.