2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

I love this verse. I take it as a promise that is renewed for me every single day.

Every day, as I commit myself again and again to following Jesus’s example and teachings, I am made new. No matter the pitfalls of yesterday, the shortcomings I had, the pain I went through, or the unkind words I may have said—no matter what happened yesterday—I get the opportunity to try again, to be more Christlike, and to be made new once more.

I lived too long without that heart for Jesus, and all it brought was pain upon pain. Now, after truly coming to know Christ, my life has done a complete 180. From the depths of alcoholism and addiction to now having a heart to serve the people of Malawi—it should tell you enough about how good and powerful God is. He has completely changed my heart. I am new.

Every good thing in my new life is a direct result of loving and serving God. The job I have, the opportunities I’ve been given, the relationships I cherish, the peace and serenity I feel in my heart—I could go on and on—it is all a direct result of striving to serve and love my brothers and sisters as Jesus did.

After thoughtful prayer and meditation, I believe the next step forward in my faith is to share the Good News and serve those in Malawi, Africa. If you feel led and have the resources, any donation would be welcomed with gratitude and used faithfully. If not, I pray this testimony has encouraged your heart or perhaps sparked something within you.

God bless you all.

—Joseph

Joseph Lines: Malawi, Africa Mission Trip - June 2026