Early life and family background

Alex was born in Kaohsiung, moved with his family to the UK at age three, and spent about two decades there before returning to Taiwan. Although he grew up in the UK, he never felt he truly belonged there; Taiwan felt more connected to his childhood and identity.

Abuse and instability at home

His childhood was marked by serious domestic violence and emotional turmoil. His father, who was under significant stress and had severe mood swings, was physically and verbally abusive toward Alex, his mother, and his sisters. Alex describes being punished harshly and living in fear of his father’s outbursts. As the only son, he felt responsible for protecting his mother and sisters, sometimes physically intervening to stop his father from becoming violent.

Emotional impact

The instability at home, frequent moves, and bullying at school deeply affected his confidence and mental health. He struggled with anxiety, depression, social isolation, and a lack of self-worth. He found it difficult even to speak up in class or connect with other people. Because his family moved repeatedly across the UK, he attended many different schools and never developed a stable sense of home or community.

Escapism through gaming

Feeling unsafe and disconnected in both home and school life, Alex turned to video games. Gaming gave him a world where he could succeed, feel powerful, and escape his reality. But over time, he recognized that this was not giving his life direction or healing the pain underneath.

First exposure to church

His older sister invited him to a large church in London. At first, he was overwhelmed by the scale and energy of it, but he eventually became involved with the media team because he was studying film and television. Working with cameras and meeting welcoming people gave him a healthier outlet, new friendships, and a way to step outside his isolation. Still, at this stage, his involvement was more about community and filmmaking than a personal relationship with Jesus.

Return to Taiwan and continued uncertainty

After spending time in Taiwan and later returning to the UK, Alex fell back into gaming and felt directionless. His mother and sisters saw that he was unhappy and encouraged him to return to Taiwan. He was reluctant because he still felt responsible for protecting his family, but he ultimately went back alone.

Growing faith in Taiwan

In Taiwan, he began attending churches and building friendships with other Christians. Through small groups, young-adult events, and the example of people living out their faith, he started to take Christianity more seriously. Even so, he describes himself as initially divided—partly committed to faith but still unsure, skeptical, and holding onto his old way of life.

An early baptism that did not feel genuine

A close friend encouraged him to be baptized during a trip to the beach. Alex agreed because of his love and loyalty toward that friend, but afterward recognized that he had not made the decision out of a personal commitment to Jesus. His friend challenged him honestly, telling him that baptism needed to come from surrender and genuine faith rather than friendship or appearances.

Turning point and renewed purpose

The turning point came at a young-adults retreat. During a prayer session, someone spoke over Alex about being “a father to many,” connecting this to his love for children and young people. Alex felt deeply seen by this message. It helped him understand his own desire to care for and guide younger people, and it became a moment when his faith shifted from partial belief to wholehearted commitment.

A meaningful baptism and transformation

He was later baptized again, this time with full conviction. He describes this as the moment he truly gave his life to Jesus. From then on, he says he grew in confidence, self-esteem, identity, and clarity about who he was. His faith became more active through prayer, worship, church involvement, and serving in children’s ministry.

Finding a calling in education

Alex still struggled to find a career path, working in several cram schools without feeling settled. Encouraged by people around him, he applied to several schools despite anxiety and low expectations. He was rejected from many, but one school gave him a chance even though he applied late and lacked the usual qualifications. He saw this opportunity as God opening a door for him.

Growth as a teacher

He committed himself fully to the role, pursued further training while working, and grew quickly in his career. He now sees teaching—especially working with younger children—as part of his calling. At his school, he leads morning prayer and Bible-based guidance, listens to children’s prayer requests, and values seeing them pray for one another, their families, and their teachers.

Present faith and gratitude

Alex views his life as a story of God bringing purpose out of pain. He believes that the hardship he experienced, the places he lived, the relationships he formed, and the opportunities he received all led him toward his current work, church community, and relationship. He says he has forgiven his father while maintaining distance for his own wellbeing.

Closing message

The testimony ends with Alex expressing gratitude for his work, relationships, church, and men’s group. He does not claim to be perfect, but wants to live as an “everyday Christian”—someone whose actions reflect Jesus, not just someone who speaks about faith. His hope is to model that faith in a way that plants seeds in other people’s lives.