I started skateboarding in the early ’70s and quickly fell in love with the sport. By the age of 12, I had set my heart on becoming the best skater in the world. I grew up during one of the most iconic eras in skate history—the time of the legendary Dogtown Z-Boys.

In 1977, at just 17 years old, I achieved my dream by winning the World Skateboard Championship. The following year, I won the U.S. Skateboard Championship. At the time, I had major sponsors like G&S Skateboards, Vans, Gullwing Trucks, Kryptonics Wheels, Alva Skates, Town & Country Hawaii, and Pepsi. I was on top of the world. My popularity was rising fast—I was featured on magazine covers, posters, advertisements, and even TV commercials.

But all those dreams began to unravel because of one wrong decision: I got involved with drugs. It started innocently enough—parties with friends, watching other pros get high. I wanted to be like them.

By the age of 18, drugs had taken over my life. Within a year, the sport I loved—skateboarding—was being stripped away as I spiraled into meth addiction. It didn’t take long for everything to fall apart. I went from fame, money, and movie appearances to becoming a notorious drug addict, using needles.

Addiction turned me into a person people feared. At the height of it, I was selling everything I owned just to feed my habit. I even sold my world championship trophy—for $500. At that point, the needle had become my prize. My life descended into misery and crime, leaving me homeless, eating out of dumpsters, and living under a bridge.

The bond I once had with skateboarding was broken. It no longer made sense to me. But then—I made one right decision. I gave my life to Jesus.

Today, I live with purpose. On September 5th, I’ll celebrate 29 years clean and free from drugs. God not only delivered me, but He also called me into the ministry of reconciliation. For the past 25 years, I’ve worked in prisons, helping others overcome addiction and incarceration. My heart is for those trapped in darkness, who feel like there’s no way out.

It’s the love of Christ that compels me.

- Dennis Martinez