From Darkness to Light

This book is intended to be an encouragement to all readers that no matter how difficult life is, we can always trust the Lord and know that He will be there for us and help us through tough times. As you read my story, you will see that I had a very difficult childhood with abuse and a self-destructing young adulthood with alcoholism and constant fighting. However, with God's help I was able to run away from darkness and find shelter in His mercy. Throughout my life I have had a lot of fear, sadness, and depression because of my father's abuse, but God was always there with me. Although during my childhood I did not believe in God, now I know that He protected me all the time. I could have died many times due to the abuse, but I am still alive. When I learned about God and accepted Him as my personal Savior, my life took a 180 degree turn for the better. From a drunkard and a street fighter I became a sincere Christian who loves everybody. God also blessed me with a wonderful wife, and I am so thankful for that. I cannot praise the Lord enough for all the things that He has done for me. With the Lord's help I was able to overcome the difficulties. I did it and you can do it, too! Just believe in Jesus as your personal Savior, and you will see the positive changes in your life.

Review by Gabriela de Oliveira on October 21, 2021:

"From Serbia to the United States, former student Denis Ivic, a newly published author, decided to share a little bit of his story with us. Denis came to the United States on May 11, 2002, even though he only knew how to speak Serbian at the time. He decided to start a new life, learn and love a new country, but especially marry Gabriella Kondor, our former teacher at Clinton Adult Learning Center (CALC). In the same year, he started attending the CALC. Denis studied English from 2002 to 2006 in higher-level classes.

"English is not an easy language," Denis said. He talked about the different roots the English language can have. Even with some difficulties that he found along the way, he reached his goal of obtaining his dream, United States Citizenship. Denis actually thanked our director Christine for being so dedicated to helping the students. Some of the benefits that he cited after CALC was being able to comprehend, express, and respect a different language that he now understands.

Denis had a very difficult childhood, he talked about his book "From Darkness to Light". Even with a hard childhood, he decided to continue to be firm in his morals, focusing on the light from his life. A tip that he gave to the students right now is very simple: Study, study, study! The more you study, the more you will write, comprehend, and speak in English. Actually, the fact that you are able to understand and read this right now just shows how much English you learned during this time here. So keep looking forward and focus on the light in your studies and life!"

View an interview with the author HERE!

-- Denis Ivic