Testimony Of Bill Greguska!

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The Testimony of Bill Greguska is a powerful account of where my life used to be, how it changed because of God, and some of the numerous struggles I have faced in my life because of drugs, alcohol, and the sinful lifestyle I was living. Growing up in the church my parents attended, I knew God only superficially. Unfortunately, I found myself straying from His path. The allure of drugs and alcohol became too strong to resist, leading me down a dark and treacherous road. So whatever your addiction or sin you are wrestling with, it can be overcome with God’s help, as He did for me. I know that I have made a ton of bad choices in my life, but at least I know God has forgiven me since I was born again in 1986 and has given me a second chance in life. Please learn from my mistakes and realize that God has a plan for your life, too!

Luke 8:47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told them why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.

My Personal Testimony

My name is Bill Greguska. I was raised in a Christian home with 2 loving Catholic parents and 3 siblings. I remember, at about 5 years old, my parents took me to church. I always had a certain reverence for God, even though, as a young boy, I got into much mischief. I got started playing basketball in 4th grade, and became a very good player with a passion for the game that I still haven’t outgrown.

Unfortunately, when I got into high school, I got very involved with drugs and alcohol, which ended my basketball career at Pius XI High School, and I got myself into much trouble and suicidal thoughts. I thank God that my Mom was always there for me, encouraging and loving me, and pointing me to God. I ended up in a long-term drug and alcohol treatment program, which got me clean and sober. Then, on June 25, 1986, I stopped trying to save myself with self-help, psychology, and Narcotics Anonymous, which I had tried for 10 years.

Then, I realized that God needed to save me, not me save me, and I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Still, it was not until Pastor Mel from Oshkosh explained what happened that it became clear: as Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” With my mind clearing up from the drugs and alcohol, I started my recovery and dedicated myself to my new, clean life, walking with God. That is when God made Himself known to me like never before.

I experienced God’s love, mercy, and strength, which was amazing after struggling to end my addiction for 10 years. It was very obvious the change that took place because of what God did to free me. All of a sudden, it seemed God took away any desire I had to abuse drugs and alcohol, and the sins that came with it, which was the “OLD BILL”. Then, after I got out of treatment, I started attending Elmbrook Church, and that is when I really began to grow closer to God. I began reading my Bible and praying almost every day. I experienced what it says in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Thank You, Lord.

As I grew in the Lord, I realized it’s not me anymore, but Christ IN me who saves me from the grip Satan had on my life. I still have problems and sin, but now I rely on His promises on how to keep short accounts with God through confession, as in 1 John 1:8-9. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. After my wife divorced me in 2007, Pastor Ron Sauer (and his wife Sue) saw how depressed I was, and they encouraged me to encourage others. That is how my Website, NeedEncouragement.com, got started. God put it on my heart to use my house and car as a light to others. I have been handing out encouragement cards ever since, and defining NeedEncouragement.com as an outreach to the world, as it says in Matthew 28:19: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.

This July 2026, I will be 66 years old, and all I want to do is finish strong for the Lord with the remaining years of my life.

Bill Greguska

Links For More Insights

Bill Greguska ~ Shephard’s Fold Podcast

How do I share my Christian testimony?

What does it mean that our lives should be a testimony for Jesus?

What are some Bible verses about testimony?

What is a Christian Testimony?

PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF BILL GREGUSKA EXPLAINED IN 3 STEPS

1) MY LIFE BEFORE JESUS?

We all have our stories to tell, and I pray that you find hope and encouragement in the testimony of my life before Jesus. When I was very young, my parents introduced me to the church, where I began to learn about God. However, attending church did not have a significant impact on my life at that time. Despite believing in God, it wasn’t until later that His presence became evident through the world He created. Although I cannot boast, I cannot deny that my early life was not lived for God; instead, I focused on selfish desires and sought happiness from others’ negative attention.

School Was A Big Challenge!

Recognizing some challenges I had with hyperactivity issues, which made concentration nearly impossible, my Mom decided to transfer me from public school to St. Gregory’s private school in fourth grade so that I could receive better educational support. Little did my Mom know then how God would use basketball as an integral part of her strategy to help me improve my behavior and academic performance in this new environment.

Basketball Became My Driving Force!

This driving force kept me motivated from fifth grade until junior high school, and I excelled in basketball. It became more than just a game; it was a passion burning inside me, fueling every step on the court. But despite achieving success on the surface level with basketball dominating much of my life during those years, there was still an emptiness deep within me – a longing for something greater than mere accomplishments or recognition in sports. However, as life grew more challenging during sophomore summer, everything took a drastic turn when alcohol and drugs came into play. My choices led me astray; chaos entered my life quickly thereafter.

This Too Shall Pass!

These darker days lasted from 16 to approximately 26 years – my life before Jesus. This self-centered mindset led me down a path of trouble in school, initiated because of drugs and alcohol, and a wild mindset fueled by the need for attention. I struggled with behavior issues and, put simply, SIN. But even amidst this darkness, there was always a flicker of hope within me, urging me to seek something greater than the temporary satisfaction these vices provided. It was the pursuit of others’ approval that consumed my thoughts, rather than seeking God’s approval at this point in my journey. Regrettably, these poor decisions brought legal troubles upon me; they began with a disorderly conduct charge. Problems and sin began to snowball in my life relentlessly; I felt trapped without any power or control over my actions, despite desperately wanting to change for the better.

2) HOW JESUS CAME INTO MY LIFE?

How Jesus came into my life is the best part of my story because it brought about a wondrous transformation. In 1986, I teetered on the edge of despair, fearing that jail was the inevitable destination for me. It was in this moment of terror that I finally came to my senses and turned to earnest prayer, desperately pleading with God for another chance. And, to my great relief, God answered my prayers in a way I could never have expected. The day Jesus came into my life was like a beam of light penetrating through the darkest corners of who I was and who I hoped to become. Suddenly, a newfound hope filled every inch of my soul as I realized that someone greater than myself cared deeply about me.

Sin, Drugs, and Alcohol Changed The Direction Of My Life!

But thank God, instead of going to jail because of problems with the law due to my addictions, I was directed toward long-term alcohol and drug treatment. This opportunity proved to be precisely what I needed to break free from the chains of addiction that had haunted me since high school. For ten years, these vices had consumed every aspect of my existence, leaving behind trails of pain, frustration, confusion, anxiety, and depression.

Suicide Became A Real Option!

All pain had engulfed me so deeply within its grasp that thoughts of suicide plagued my mind more often than I would like to admit. But as difficult as those times were, they served a purpose: they brought me face-to-face with rock bottom, an abyss so deep and unforgiving that surrender became necessary and liberating. But finally, on June 25, 1986–at the Gemini alcohol and drug treatment program–something extraordinary happened; Jesus came into my life.

Hitting The Bottom!

In despair, darkness, and depression, Jesus stepped in with His unwavering love, offering me hope when all seemed lost. Through this encounter with Him, I discovered a strength within myself that I never knew existed. He lifted me from despair and ignited a fire in my soul – a newfound determination to leave behind the destructive patterns that held me captive for far too long. Jesus became my guiding light on this journey towards recovery. His teachings resonated deep within my heart as He showed me compassion when self-forgiveness seemed impossible. His grace-filled presence in my life reminded me that redemption is possible for me and for anyone who wants to get right with God.

3) HOW MY LIFE CHANGED BECAUSE OF JESUS?

From basketball to drugs and alchol, then to recovery and Jesus Christ! NeedEncouragement.com

This is a Photoshop photo of me blocking Alan Iverson’s layup.

How my life changed because Jesus came into my life like a miracle; Jesus entered my life with such power and love that He took away the overpowering desire for drugs and alcohol, liberating me from their suffocating chains. As if a fog had lifted, suddenly, clarity filled my mind like never before.

Every decision became clearer, and every step forward felt purposeful and guided by God’s hand. Life started aligning perfectly with God’s plan—not by coincidence or chance, but through His deliberate unfolding right before my eyes. In this remarkable transformation, I discovered newfound strength within myself and an unwavering faith in our Savior, who redeemed me from darkness into light.

Pastor Ron And Sue Sauer Were Angles From Above To Me!

I witnessed myself growing and healing unimaginably, knowing my past – it was an exhilarating experience! It was almost like a miracle. Life suddenly held real meaning – a purpose beyond what I could have imagined. God placed three extraordinary individuals in my life: my dear Mom, who constantly showered me with love and guidance; Mark Mallwitz, a friend and brother in Christ who walked alongside me through my divorce and other things; Sue Sauer has been a very dedicated who I leaned on for the lion’s share of my spiritual direction after my divorce to the present time. Sue is a very wise, mentor-like person who became my big sister in Christ. These remarkable people helped shape my journey towards finding peace in God’s presence.

Making It Through A Painful Divorce!

But one pivotal turning point occurred when God led me to share His love through an encouragement ministry website called NeedEncouragement.com. As Pastor Ron shared with me earlier, our lowest points often become opportunities to reach out to others in need because we understand their pain intimately. I found a renewed purpose beyond myself by reaching out to others who were struggling just as I had been. Introducing people to Jesus’ transformative power has been a blessing in itself. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any problem with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

My mom was my best friend for many years! Testimony Of Bill Greguska NeedEncouragement.com

I had the honor of taking care of my Mom for the last eight years of her life. She was extremely fearful of going to a nursing home.

God’s Grace Was The Key!

Above all else, God’s grace saved me from despair and transformed my life because of Jesus. In the depths of my brokenness, I realized that salvation came not through any action or accomplishment on my part but simply by confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior. In believing with all my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and surrendered to His will, a profound change began to unfold within me. As I embarked on this new journey, I became aware of God’s divine plan for my life – a plan in which He desired to be the guiding force and the ultimate source of love and redemption. It boils down to the simple phrase, “Trust and obey because there is no other way other than with Christ Jesus.” ~ Bill Greguska.

Jesus Can Change Your Past!

We All Struggle At Times!

My story is meant to be a beacon of hope for countless individuals grappling with their faith, battling addiction, or facing other challenges today. It shows that even in our darkest moments, when we feel utterly defeated, there remains a glimmering chance to turn things around if only we place our trust in Jesus!

My testimony carries the power to inspire others never to give up on themselves, because they are loved unconditionally by God. The message behind my testimony is that no matter what obstacles come your way, you can overcome them with help from Jesus Christ himself!

~ Bill Greguska.

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Some Specific Scriptures To Encourage You:

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Hebrews 10:25 ESV

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.