Growing up

I was born in Toronto, Canada in the spring of 1965 in that part of the city known as Little Italy. I was born to a 14 year old mother, no father and in a non-Christian home that was malfunctioning. The authorities would not allow a baby to go home with a 14 year-old girl so my Grandmother signed for custody until Mom was 16. I came home to my Gram and Gramps house in an Italian neighbourhood where hockey was the game and there was every ethnic culture in the book. At six months old Mom would drop me off at the house of an Italian babysitter five days a week until I was seven so she could finish public school / high school and also work part-time. That was where I learned to speak the Italian  language fluently, learning  their mannerisms and customs. Once I began speaking as a little child the only words I spoke were in Italian and my family couldn’t understand me.

Always wanting to be a stuntman

My only goal in life since 6 years old was to become a Stuntman. If I couldn’t be a Stuntman I wanted to be an NHL hockey player.  Before I became a Christian I was addicted to drugs for 17 years. The drug habit began when I was 11 years old. I had pretty much tried every drug available but never used needles because I didn’t like them.  Drug use started off experimentally and recreational but quickly excelled to all day, seven days a week.  I left home at 16. By 1993 my drug use had escalated to over the top and no return. I did drugs the way I do everything else, full throttle. Yet in the midst of my numbness I became very aware that there was a God. But who was the real one?

I knew the Bible was different

In 1991, I became a Pro Stuntman. In 1993, the Stunt Coordinator on “The Never Ending Story 3” movie set told me about Christ.  On that day he offered me a New Testament. He made me promise to read it, if I accepted it. I said I would. He prayed for me.  So the next day I began reading the Gospel Of John in the back of my pickup truck spending hours per day devouring the Bible and learning about Jesus. Within a month I had finished all 27 books of the New Testament and some of the Old Testament books like Daniel, Ezekiel, Psalms, Proverbs, etc…

”For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).  

I knew this bible was different than any other book. These words were powerful. They were causing something to stir in my heart. I became aware of my sin.

Jesus said He was the only way to heaven and to eternal life. “I am the way, the truth and  the life. No man comes to the Father, but through me" (John 14:6).

Could Christ help me with my drug addiction?

Not wanting to be in chains to drugs anymore caused me to consider a personal relationship with Christ. If He was alive maybe He could take my drug habit away? I had quit using for short periods but always fell back. Through reading the Gospel of John I realized my need for Christ Jesus. It was clear He could save me from my sins but could He really help me stop using drugs?  The other thing was that I realized I didn't want to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. Jesus defeated death, hell and the grave. I wanted to be with Jesus.

I looked up at the ceiling toward heaven two weeks into my daily bible reading and said "Lord, if you're real like you said in the bible.  All those amazing things you did and you rose from the grave. Please get me off dope and then I'll know you’re real and I'll follow you". In the parables Christ tells us about the man that counts the cost before he goes to war and another man before he builds his house that he may finish it. Because to follow the Lord, not finish, and not count the cost would bring shame to Him. I had counted the cost the best and I could want to go all the way and have fruit 30, 60 or 100 fold. So I knew what I was asking, when I asked to be set free from drugs. If Jesus could do this I would know He was alive and loved me.

Jesus is alive!

Two more weeks followed after that while I continued reading. One day I was sitting on my motorcycle waiting for the light to turn green. I suddenly realized I hadn't done drugs in two weeks, never even thought about them. Drug addicts don't do that. I thought about dope 24/7 for the most of 17 years it consumed me. I'd been hooked since I was 11 years old. Immediately I pulled over and felt the tears run down my face over the realization that Jesus is alive! I cried in great pain as I realized the sins I had done to my Savior and just how much of a sinner I was.  The love that He showed me was so overwhelming. It was time to keep my word and follow Him. In North Vancouver 1993, I bowed my knee there at the side of the road in traffic, gave my life to Christ and asked  the one who died for the sins of the world to forgive me and be my Savior. He broke my chains.

I spoke these words from my heart when I prayed to become a Christian.” Lord, you are real and alive. You set me free from drugs. I told you if you did that I would follow you. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins. You’re my God and my Savior. Help me follow you. I love you Lord.”   I was free!  I was on fire.  There is no high like the most high God!  I named my company, Impact Stunts For Christ Inc.  On the movie sets I shared my Savior with hundreds.

The specific need Christ met when He entered my life was I needed to know true love.  He showed His love for me and for the world by taking my place on the cross. He gave up His life for me.  Christ died to save sinners. That’s heavy duty love.  True love sacrifices and pays the price.

Jesus gives strength to persevere in turbulent times

It has been difficult over the years learning to live and think without drugs. The wounds were deep. The healing process is painful. Being a Christian isn’t easy. There is a price to pay. Jesus won’t take all your problems away. But He will be there in each trial, holding your hand, comforting you, giving you wisdom in how to handle them and helping you through them. When your life seems to be spiralling out of control, you’ll learn to walk by faith and trust the God of the universe. Jesus gives strength to persevere in turbulent times when life seems over. He is always there even when you don’t think He is. This is the way I have lived for the last 6 years.

The Lord has given me a wife and seven children. Little Josiah (8) has Down Syndrome. With His help I overcame a seemingly devastating career ending injury in 1998. It took two years to make the comeback. He has reasons for allowing things to happen to us. Sometimes we cause our own problems.

“For we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those that love Him…”  (Romans 8:28).

With His help I have begun 10 ventures which include a Down Syndrome Foundation and a world record highfall. We have had a Tape Ministry for 10 years with over 4000 Sermons. I try to read God's Word everyday and make time to develop my relationship with Him. Throughout my day, I try to make decisions that please Him and behave like His ambassador. Yet I do make mistakes. He’s perfect and I’m not.

Thanks for taking the time. Please trust Christ Today! Don’t put it off.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Broyden

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?” (video clip)

Come to know your Creator (animation)

The Reason (music video)