Disney Star Says He ‘Encountered Jesus’ and Feels Better Than Ever

Disney’s “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” star Joshua Bassett said Sunday he’s better than ever after encountering Jesus.

The 22-year-old singer-songwriter made a shocking announcement to his fans at the beginning of the year that left many fans confused.

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“Jesus Christ is the only way,” Bassett said on Jan. 5, which has been viewed over 10 million times.

“His death and resurrection are historically documented,” he added. “turn away form hate, seek forgiveness and come home to Him .”

Then on Sunday, Bassett shared more about his Christian faith.

“tonight at church i prayed to God, ‘so i will know for certain that you are Jesus, and He is the only way, please send someone to touch my back and i will shout it from the rooftops,” Bassett wrote on his Instagram story.

“moments later, two people came up behind me, saying that God put in on their heart to put their hands on me and pray,” he explained.

“His love is great, and my faith is certain,” Bassett said. “praise be to God forever and ever in Jesus name.”

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Then he wrote another post, “a few months ago i asked God to ‘send me a sign when i write the truth.”

Bassett said when he typed “Jesus is the way” that “nothing happened,” but when he added, “Jesus is the *only* way” that “the light turned on in my living room.”

He added more:

i have also first hand encountered Jesus twice

the experience’s were richer and more vivid

than anything in my entire life

i look forward to speaking about it soon

for those concerned about me

be sure of this: i’m better than i have ever been

the peace i feel is far beyond

what i thought possible

Joshua Bassett’s Instagram story

The “Different” singer has opened up about some of the hard times he’s been through.

Bassett told People he suffered sexual abuse as a child, from ages 5 to 9, by a relative and as a teen by an older man in one of his theater groups.

And more recently, after his HSMTMTS co-star Olivia Rodrigo released her viral song, “Drivers License,” Bassett said he was harassed online and received death threats because the song was alleged to be about their breakup, though neither has confirmed a relationship.

Then several days after feeling ill, he was hospitalized for heart failure in 2021.

“[The doctors] told me that I had a 30% chance of survival. They told me that if I had not checked into the hospital within 12 hours, I would have been found [dead] in my apartment,” Bassett told GQ.

He has since battled with depression and stress and panic attacks.

It’s encouraging to hear Bassett share that he’s better than ever and is experiencing peace beyond what he thought was possible after giving his life to Jesus. I pray he continues to find hope and healing in Christ.

Caleb Parke is the SMG managing editor. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.