The Lila Rose Show E256: "I Wouldn't Wish It On My Enemy": Ex-Buddhist's Trip to Hell and Back | Lila Rose Show
Oct 10, 2025
Steve Kang, a former Buddhist turned pastor and evangelist, shares a gripping near-death experience that transformed his life. He recounts chilling encounters in a dark realm and a powerful moment of hearing Jesus’ voice calling him away from drugs. Steve emphasizes the reality of hell and the urgency of evangelism, urging listeners to embrace their faith boldly. His journey also sparked conversions in his family, and he now dedicates his life to ministry and empowering others to share the Good News.
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From Buddhist Temples To Empty Rituals
- Steve Kang described growing up Buddhist in Seoul, moving to Boston at nine, then returning to Korea for high school before attending Pomona College in California.
- He used temple practices and long meditations but still felt empty until later encountering Christianity.
Descent Into Drugs And A Suicide Attempt
- After his family lost money, Steve lived with a friend who was selling drugs and became deeply addicted, culminating in a 10-day sleepless psychotic episode.
- During that collapse he attempted suicide, was maced and arrested by police, and was taken to UC Irvine where surgeons fought to save him.
The Devil's Bargain During His Breakdown
- In a drug-induced state Steve said a figure told him to kill himself in exchange for fewer years of hell, prompting him to stab himself until police intervened.
- He bled heavily, was stabilized by EMTs, and then experienced an out-of-body near-death sequence while en route to surgery.
