God changed my live

When I was a little boy, our family lived in Bicol. My mother got very sick and before she died, she told us that our ‘father’ was not our biological father. After she died, our stepfather mistreated those of us who were not his own children. We had to go to the fields and collect fallen coconuts or steal fruits so we had something to eat. When he heard about it, he would beat us up. At nine years of age, I ran away to another province and at eleven, I eventually ended up in Manila. I was either in the streets or in different shelters for homeless boys or rehab centers. I started smoking, drinking and taking drugs and realized that the stronger, tougher ones were respected and feared. I stole to win their friendship until at seventeen years old, I got caught and went to jail. During the eight months in jail, no one came to visit me and I realized that there is no such thing as friendship in the streets.
While I was in and out of jail, one social organization took me in, sent me to school and trained me as an educator. Though I was given this break, I only experienced a physical change. I looked better but continued to drink and take drugs, even influencing the kids I was supposed to be helping. It was not long before I was back in the streets with nothing. I was a depressed, angry and violent snatcher and hold-upper. When I was high, I stayed by myself and it was during one of these times that I cried out to God that I wanted to change and needed His help.
I met the people from HELP during their outreaches to Cubao and they offered their Father’s House. I had become accustomed to life in the streets so I did not take their offer seriously. I attended the services of the City Mission to take a shower, get new clothes and have a free meal. During all this time, I always had a soft spot for children. I cared for certain kids in the street and protected them.
One day, I was in a fight where I was badly injured. The other guy chased me with a machete and hit the back of my neck. As I tried to run away from him, my face smashed into a car. I lost my front teeth, my face and neck needed stitches and my shoulder was broken. I knew I would not survive the streets in my condition. That’s when I decided to accept the offer of my friends at HELP. I thought I would stay there until I became well and strong again; at the same time, I would be safe from the police. I was touched by the testimonies of the staff and felt that their teachings were alive. I also found the acceptance and friendship I was looking for. I started to have a relationship with God as I realized He was real and gave me the new life I had wanted so much. As I prayed and surrendered all my anger to God, I felt Him move in my heart and I was challenged to open my heart to Him. I experienced God setting me free from my vices like smoking, drinking, taking rugby and drugs. What the devil destroyed and stole from me, God was restoring and I am now in touch with my family. I embraced the new family He had given me as I received their love and guidance. I am now on my third year in Focolare, a carpentry training center. When I graduate next year, I would like to serve God here at HELP and see how He will lead me.