A man from Northern Ireland who was convicted and jailed for fatally stabbing his own brother four years ago said he has since found peace after he repented for his sins and turned to God.
In an interview with The Belfast Telegraph, 37-year-old Raymond Johnston said he once used drugs, smoked cannabis and drank bottle after bottle of alcoholic drinks.
Johnston recalled how he felt like he was experiencing "very deep lows" despite the fact that he had a good job, lots of money, his own house and other fancy things.
The darkest time in Johnston's life came in July 2012 when he stabbed to death his own brother, David, near a chapel at the outskirts of Florence Court in Northern Ireland. Because of this incident, Johnston was charged with manslaughter and jailed for two and a half years.
The incident, however, also led to a "life-changing" moment for Johnston. While on his way to the Laganside Courthouse in Belfast, he realised his shortcomings and asked for God's forgiveness.
From then on, Johnston became a man of faith. "I brought with me my Bible, sermons, recordings of testimonies and the whole journey up the road. I listened to those testimonies of how God had changed the lives of so many people, people who had similar lifestyles to myself," he said.
He also tried to build a relationship with Christ, acknowledging how he is "in such a need for God."
Johnston has now been freed from prison. He said "turning to God" has allowed him "to be free from that burden of sin, from the burden of what happened."
"I live my life for God, for my community, to show love to that community and give back the love that has been shown to me and my family," he said.
Johnston added that he now "sees the light," and a good future with his family—something he has never seen before when he was living a life of sin.
