Stories of Grace #1 - Kurt Soosay

Hello, my name is Kurt.

Before I met Nino and became a part of Knox Church, my life was all over the place. I was struggling deeply with mental health issues and grieving the recent loss of my mother. I had no job and was living with my aunt. I couldn’t see a way out of my anxiety and sorrow. Things got so bad that I couldn’t eat or work—I lost 20 pounds and was spiralling downward. I felt scared, alone, and empty. I had no hope.

At the time, I was attending another church, but I eventually stopped going. I didn’t feel like I was learning anything or growing in my faith. I believed in Jesus, but it was a lukewarm kind of faith.

Then something changed. I started crying out to Jesus every night and opening my heart to Him. I was in and out of the hospital for my mental health, and when I was home, I’d sleep until late in the afternoon and then walk for hours at night, just talking to God.

One Sunday, I woke up around 4 PM and felt strongly in my spirit that I needed to go to church. But my old church service had already ended. I didn’t think there were any churches with evening services nearby. I did a quick Google search and found Knox Baptist Church. Their service started at 6:30 PM. I was hesitant at first, but I decided to go.

That night, I walked in and met Nino. I told him everything I was going through, and he showed me real love and care. After the service, he shared a similar experience he had at my age, and it gave me comfort. I didn’t feel alone or as hopeless anymore. I started attending Knox every Sunday and built a relationship with Nino.

Eventually, I got baptized and fully surrendered my life to Jesus. The road to recovery was still rocky. Even after my baptism, I experienced spiritual attacks and even witnessed someone pass away—but Nino helped me stay grounded in my faith.

Little by little, I began to heal. Months later, God brought Emma into my life. She’s a Christian and a blessing to me—she’s also my future wife. I didn’t understand why someone like her would love a guy like me—mentally unwell and jobless—but she never cared about any of that. She stood by me.

Kurt and Emma - the day they first met

God also provided me with a job and then the opportunity to go to SAIT. I applied for the Indigenous Pathways program and was accepted. I’m currently doing a year of upgrading, and then I’ll begin an apprenticeship to become an electrician. He also blessed me with a studio apartment. My mental health is now manageable, and I feel like myself again.

Knox has helped me grow in my faith and deepen my understanding of Scripture. I now know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, who I can trust and lean on. I gave everything to Him, and He has provided all I need.

Nino has become a big part of my life, and so has the church. I’ve invited many people to Knox—some of my family members have come and been baptized too. Knox teaches the truth of God’s Word, and that’s exactly what we all need.

Soli Deo Gloria!