Former Police Officer Finds Redemption Through Faith: Jan Combrink's Journey from Darkness to Light
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In a candid and emotional interview on Just Gospel Radio, Jan Combrink shared his remarkable journey from a hardened police officer to a man of faith dedicated to serving others.
Combrink revealed that his early life was marked by near-death experiences and health challenges, including rheumatic fever that damaged his heart, surviving a car fire at age 18, and being crushed by a truck at age 3. Though healed at age 12 through prayer, he turned away from faith for decades.
During his nearly 30-year career in the South African police force, particularly in organized crime and drug enforcement, Combrink described becoming "like a machine" devoid of emotion. The turning point came in 2001 when, in a moment of despair, he attempted suicide. After what he describes as divine intervention prevented his gun from firing, Combrink experienced a profound spiritual awakening.
"If God could have saved Jan Combrink, there's no person excluded in his plan," he reflected during the interview.
Today, at 64, Combrink works with youth in schools across South Africa, addressing issues like drug addiction, rejection, and identity. He emphasizes the importance of confronting past traumas, noting that "if you don't deal with them, they're going to deal with you."
Combrink now serves as a chaplain and dedicates his life to helping others find hope and purpose through faith, particularly focusing on youth outreach and family restoration.
"Jesus is stopping for you today," Combrink offered as encouragement to listeners. "Take your focus off your circumstances and focus on the eyes of Jesus."
Combrink revealed that his early life was marked by near-death experiences and health challenges, including rheumatic fever that damaged his heart, surviving a car fire at age 18, and being crushed by a truck at age 3. Though healed at age 12 through prayer, he turned away from faith for decades.
During his nearly 30-year career in the South African police force, particularly in organized crime and drug enforcement, Combrink described becoming "like a machine" devoid of emotion. The turning point came in 2001 when, in a moment of despair, he attempted suicide. After what he describes as divine intervention prevented his gun from firing, Combrink experienced a profound spiritual awakening.
"If God could have saved Jan Combrink, there's no person excluded in his plan," he reflected during the interview.
Today, at 64, Combrink works with youth in schools across South Africa, addressing issues like drug addiction, rejection, and identity. He emphasizes the importance of confronting past traumas, noting that "if you don't deal with them, they're going to deal with you."
Combrink now serves as a chaplain and dedicates his life to helping others find hope and purpose through faith, particularly focusing on youth outreach and family restoration.
"Jesus is stopping for you today," Combrink offered as encouragement to listeners. "Take your focus off your circumstances and focus on the eyes of Jesus."
