Karl O’Dare – A Miracle Changed Everything
Based in Wales.
Karl O’Dare’s story is one of transformation, faith, and purpose, a journey from deep brokenness to restored hope, from instability to leadership, and from survival to service.
Early Life: A Childhood Marked by Instability
Karl grew up in extremely challenging circumstances. By the age of 16, he had been in care 16 times in 16 years. His childhood was shaped by instability, trauma, and uncertainty.
His mother struggled with alcoholism, and his father was frequently in and out of prison. Home life was unpredictable, and safety, consistency, and security were largely absent. From a very young age, Karl learned how to survive rather than how to dream.
With no stable home, no reliable parental support, and no clear role models, Karl carried deep emotional wounds. Anger, confusion, abandonment and a longing to belong. Yet, even in the darkest moments, there was a quiet determination inside him that his life would not end the way it began.
Even though he had no roadmap to get there.
Coming to Faith: A Miracle That Changed Everything
Everything changed when Karl was 16 years old. He witnessed a genuine, undeniable miracle within his family. A moment of God’s intervention that he could not explain away. For the first time, he realised that Jesus was not just a religious idea, tradition, or story, but real, alive, and active in the lives of ordinary people.
In that moment, Karl surrendered his life to Christ.
That encounter marked the turning point of his life. The anger, pain, and broken identity that had shaped his early years were replaced with hope, forgiveness, and purpose. He began to experience healing, restoration, and a deep sense of belonging. Not just in a church, but in God’s family.
Faith gave him what his upbringing never could: identity, stability, direction, and hope.
From that point forward, Karl’s life was no longer defined by where he came from, but by who he now belonged to.
Karl's testimony stands as proof that no background is too broken, no family too fractured, and no life too far gone for the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Business Journey: From Survival to Success
Alongside ministry, Karl applied the same determination and discipline to business. Over the past decade, he built and owned multiple successful companies. Experiencing the full business lifecycle, from startup and growth to acquisition and exit. One of his businesses achieved a £1.5 million turnover before being sold.
His humble beginnings gave him a unique perspective. He understands the struggles of entrepreneurs not from theory, but from lived experience. Building businesses from nothing, navigating risk, failure, pressure, and responsibility. He often says,
“All it takes is a single spark to ignite a fire.”
That spark is passion, dedication, and belief.
Karl firmly believes:
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.”
He teaches that:
- Ability determines what you’re capable of doing.
- Motivation determines what you do.
- Attitude determines how well you do it.
There are no secrets to success, only dedication, hard work, and the courage to take action. The only difference between success and failure is often the willingness to get up, step forward, and make it happen.
Yet, despite outward success, Karl realised that business alone could never fulfil the deeper calling God had placed on his life.
Calling & Ministry: From Business Leader to Pastor
Karl is now a pastor, church planter, and itinerant minister. He travels across the UK & Europe to share his testimony and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has a deep heart for the lost, the broken, and the overlooked, because he once was all three.
In response to God’s call, Karl founded a Gypsy church in South Wales, with a specific mission to reach Gypsy and Traveller communities with the gospel. Through relational ministry, discipleship, and practical support, he works to bring hope, healing, and restoration to families who are often marginalised, misunderstood, and underserved.
His ministry is rooted not just in preaching, but in walking alongside people, building trust, strengthening families, and raising disciples. Karl is passionate about seeing lives transformed, homes restored, and communities renewed through the power of Jesus Christ.
Present Day: Purpose, Passion & Impact
Today, Karl brings together faith, life experience, business wisdom, and a pastoral heart into a powerful, relatable message. That resonates across churches, schools, Colleges, prisons, business forums, and community or after dinner events.
He speaks with authenticity, conviction, and compassion about:
- The transforming power of Jesus Christ
- The importance of faith, attitude, and belief
- Overcoming adversity and rewriting your story
- Finding purpose beyond success
- Living a life that makes an eternal impact
Karl’s message is clear and compelling.
Your past does not define your future. Your background does not limit your destiny. And with God, change is not only possible — it is inevitable.
