Story told by David MacLean, as told by L. Wang

At the unripe age of nine, I was necking girls.

Looking back as a husband and father, I could see I was going down a dangerous road at such a young age. That same year, my mom died of a heart attack. At that time, my sister was 20 and my brother was 19—I was the youngest child by 10 years.

My mother’s death changed who we were, especially my brother. He went to university and started attending a Bible study there because he was searching for more in life. He said our mom’s death made him think about life and what makes life worth living. My family was never religious or Christian so my brother studying the Bible was new and surprising to me.

The accident

The Christmas after my mom died, my family and I went on a family trip to Whistler, British Columbia. We accidentally left the car headlights on and the battery died. We ended up having to push the car.

So there I was, pushing the car, when WHAM! A car came around the corner and ran over top of me. I was dragged down the highway, stuck onto the bottom of the car! All I could remember from the traumatic incident was my brother asking me, “Do you want to know Jesus Christ?” And he prayed Jesus would save me.

I woke up in the hospital with a concussion, a cracked tooth and a cast. It was a miracle. Needless to say, at nine years old, I should have been dead.

Things started to change

That night something happened in me, something changed. I wanted to learn who Jesus is—and I did:

1. I learned that God created the universe and he created me.
2. I learned that I’m a sinner—I lie, I cheat, I hate… the list goes on.
3. But God gave his son Jesus to us. Jesus died on the cross for all of our sins, past, present and future. He rose from the dead and is alive today.
4. I came to believe in Jesus and I accepted him into my life. I now have a relationship with God. He has changed my life.

Now, my view of women and relationships changed. Just thinking back to how I was making out with girls at such a young age makes me realize I was seeking women for my own gain, so that I could feel good. Now I see my selfish ways—I see relationships as a blessing from God.

Happily ever after?

The story doesn’t end here. In fact, the Christian life isn’t just roses and daisies after you believe in Jesus. There are many challenges, but each challenge makes you stronger.

In college, I realized how important it is to be a part of a church. Following Jesus is a team game. The church is not a building; it is a gathering of believers. The church is the army and family of God where we learn to love and care for each other. I know this doesn’t happen at every church building and some people have in fact been hurt by the church. But if church is what it’s supposed to be—a family—I assure you it is a powerful experience.

God and business

I later got a degree in business and physical education. I realized that God and business do mix. If God is going to be the most important part of my life, why can’t he be a part of my career?

It was God who provided me with the opportunity of starting a marketing group, Maclean Group Marketing, Inc. As the president, I don’t see my staff as a means of helping my company advance; rather, my staff are real people, and I am there to help my staff reach their goals within the corporation.

I think life takes the boot to men’s hearts. These days, men are walking through life, going about their daily business, but their hearts are not alive. God has a great adventure for mankind. He has a journey he wants to take you on.

Is your heart dead?

If you have obtained many things yet still feel like something is missing, like you’re dead inside, just going about your daily routine, you are not alone. Christ is the only fulfillment that lasts. You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as he is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.