 My wife and I know first hand the pain and suffering of a
family with drug addiction. For you see, I was a heroin addict for I was born into a family of alcoholics A Judge had declared me My wife told me about a church that helped drug addicts. She directed me to the Chicago Victory Church. I walked several miles to get there. I will never forget that night. On Jan. 28, 1989, I had a life changing experience with Jesus Christ! A "Miracle" had occurred! I was set free from the hold the drugs had on me. God not only took away my drug habit, but he also healed me from AIDS! Today, I am a very grateful man. God gave me a second chance in life. He gave me back my family and wife. He chose to give me an opportunity to be a good father and a husband. He chose to make me into a man of honesty, responsibility and integrity. I am living proof that anyone, anywhere, can change through the power of Jesus Christ! |
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than 20 years. I thank God for my salvation and for the Restoration Homes.
It was here that I had a head on collision with Jesus Christ! It was here
that I was "discipled". I was taught the word of God and the biblical
principles that empowered me to live a drug free life and where I developed a
relationship with Christ through prayer. This is where I learned to live a new
life. I could have died of AIDS or an overdose, but instead God gave me
life. As a result of my gratefulness, I have dedicated my life to God in
service. I now serve as Pastor of the Milwaukee Victory Church, alongside
with my wife and children.
in San Juan,
Puerto Rico. At 10 years of age I was injecting Bacardi into an orange and
sipping on it while in school. I began smoking marijuana and experimenting
with other drugs. By the time I was 12 years old I was HOOKED! I had
become a heroin addict. I had turned to a life of crime to sustain my drug
habit, stealing from my family and committing robberies. I would get
caught, and do time in prison. I would always tell myself "when I get out,
I'm not going to use anymore." I would even stay clean for awhile.
But eventually I would end up right back into the lifestyle of drugs, criminal
activities and back into prison. I even became involved
with gang violence, becoming leader of one of the most notorious gangs, the
Latin Kings.
a "Habitual
Criminal." I had been in and out of prison four times! By
this time I had lost everything that was dear to me including my wife and
children. I had broken many promises. I had come to the lowest point
in my life. Even my own mother closed the doors on me. I ended up
laying my head anywhere I could, abandoned cars, buildings, even drug houses.
Here I was 36 years old with no direction, no hope and no future. I didn't
like myself very much anymore. I was tired of being tired! I was
desperate! I hated myself and what I had become. Until I made a
decision that would change my life forever!