My Testimony
My Personal Testimony
My name is Bill Greguska. I was raised in a Christian home with 2 loving Catholic parents and 3 siblings. I remember, at about 5 years old, my parents took me to church. I always had a certain reverence for God, even though, as a young boy, I got into much mischief. I got started playing basketball in 4th grade, and became a very good player with a passion for the game that I still haven't outgrown.
Unfortunately, when I got into high school, I got very involved with drugs and alcohol, which ended my basketball career at Pius XI High School, and I got myself into much trouble and suicidal thoughts. I thank God that my mom was always there for me, encouraging and loving me, and pointing me to God. I ended up in a long-term drug and alcohol treatment program, which got me clean and sober. Then, on June 25, 1986, I stopped trying to save myself with self-help, psychology, and Narcotics Anonymous, which I had tried for 10 years.
Then, I realized that God needed to save me, not me save me, and I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Still, it was not until Pastor Mel from Oshkosh explained what happened that it became clear: as Romans 10:9 says, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." With my mind clearing up from the drugs and alcohol, I started my recovery and dedicated myself to my new, clean life, walking with God. That is when God made Himself known to me like never before.
I experienced God's love, mercy, and strength, which was amazing after struggling to end my addiction for 10 years. It was very obvious the change that took place because of what God did to free me. All of a sudden, it seemed God took away any desire I had to abuse drugs and alcohol, and the sins that came with it, which was the "OLD BILL". Then, after I got out of treatment, I started attending Elmbrook Church, and that is when I really began to grow closer to God. I began reading my Bible and praying almost every day. I experienced what it says in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Thank You, Lord.
As I grew in the Lord, I realized it's not me anymore, but Christ IN me who saves me from the grip Satan had on my life. I still have problems and sin, but now I rely on His promises on how to keep short accounts with God through confession, as in 1 John 1:8-9. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. After my wife divorced me in 2007, Pastor Ron Sauer (and his wife Sue) saw how depressed I was, and they encouraged me to encourage others. That is how my website, NeedEncouragement.com, got started. God put it on my heart to use my house and car as a light to others. I have been handing out encouragement cards ever since, and defining NeedEncouragement.com as an outreach to the world, as it says in Matthew 28:19: "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.
This July 2026, I will be 66 years old, and all I want to do is finish strong for the Lord with the remaining years of my life.
Bill Greguska
Links For More Insights