In 2011, GEM worker James was leading a mission team in Spain when he met Derrick, a German student on a class field trip. Having been bullied in school, the 14-year-old had found his identity among crowds that ultimately weren’t healthy for him. James and Derrick formed an immediate connection and committed to staying in touch via Facebook.
Four years later, James and his family moved to Berlin and reconnected with Derrick, who had since graduated from high school. He visited James’ home often and was deeply impacted each time by their Christ-centred family life— something entirely new to him.
After high school, Derrick began pursuing basketball in hopes of building a new identity and a brighter future. He received an offer to try out for a pro team in Switzerland but was injured on the first day of try-outs. Then, Europe locked down at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The turning point
Unemployed and reeling from a recent breakup, Derrick felt as if he were suffocating in guilt and shame. In December 2020, he reached his darkest moment and called James for help. From that conversation, Derrick made a New Year’s resolution to live for God. By the next morning, God had already answered him—Derrick felt profound peace.
From that moment on, his life began to turn around. Unexpectedly, he was offered a well-paying job. He thanked God for providing secure work and an opportunity to interact with others during the strict lockdown.
As Derrick grew in his faith, he often reached out to James for guidance and resources. When the pandemic ended, Derrick found a church in Cologne, began attending regularly, and was baptised. Eventually, a Christian friend helped him secure a different job at a gym.
Living for God
Today, Derrick leads Bible studies for clients and coworkers at several gym locations. People seek him out to talk about faith, enabling him to have multiple gospel conversations daily. Every night, he prays for the people God puts in his path, as well as for his loved ones and those he hurt before finding Jesus.
The power of prayer
In March 2025, while sharing his story, Derrick revealed something he had only recently discovered about his faith journey. After meeting Derrick in 2011, James and his family began praying fervently for his salvation. They soon mobilised their prayer partners to do the same. That desperate phone call from Derrick to James in December 2020 came nearly a decade later.
It took time, but the persistent prayers and faithful witness of James, his family, and their supporting community bore the fruit of a life transformed by Jesus. Derrick was discipled patiently, and now he is discipling others through his everyday life.
Source: Greater Europe Mission (GEM)
