BACKGROUND

I grew up with both parents until the age of 13 when my father died. In his absence, I was looking for father-love on the streets of Roodewal. That is why I made friends with men older than me. I was vulnerable and they took advantage of me. I joined a notorious gang at the age of 15.

A DOWNWARD SPIRAL BEGAN…

Crime was part of gang-life and my conflict with the law began. At the age of 18 I received my first sentence. In the beginning I focussed on economic crime, but eventually I was caught up in crimes of violence. For 20 years I spent my life in and out of prison. In the prison I joined the 26 Gang. I found my identity in the gangs. In prison and out of prison, I was always part of a gang.

DEEP INSIDE THERE WAS ALWAYS A YEARNING

In 2018 when I was out of prison and back on the street, I noticed things happening at Moria House. But I couldn’t figure out what it was. I saw men going in, and after a few months they come out changed. I told myself: “Yoh! these were men that I knew and were my friends!” They moved in the same circles as I did. And if they can change, I too want to change.

I would often sit on the corner of Leipoldtlaan, longinly watching Moria House. I tried to figure out what was happening in this house. One day my friend Mc Allistair was passing by on his bicycle and he stopped to talk to me. He had come through the program, and now he was encouraging me. Something stirred within as he spoke to me.

THE FIRST TIME I HAD AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE LORD

I will never forget the day that I was sitting on that corner with my friends, and suddenly I burst into tears. I had no idea what came over me. I excused myself and went home to wash my face. I realize that that was the first time I had an encounter with the Lord. I went to the office of Moria House and I asked Antie Mia for help.

WRESTLING

She gave me a letter and a medical form to be completed at the hospital. I took that letter and put it on the shelf. I struggled – to stay as I am, or to change. Eventually I surrendered to the Lord’s nudging and a week later I started the day program. I was still in the day program when I gave my life to the Lord.

LOOKING BACK NOW

I realise now as I look back, that God had placed a deep hunger in my heart, and that is why I took hold of His Word as it was taught at Moria House. My progress was remarkable as I went through the Level System. While in the program I was able to open my heart to the Lord and share my deep longings with him.

My son Ashwin was living with his mother. I was not part of his life for 7 years. I asked the Lord to restore to me what belongs to me. He told me that He first wanted me to discover how to be a child of my Heavenly Father, and then He will guide me to be a father to my son.

FAST FORWARD

It was a journey the Lord took me through. I finished the program, and my son Ashwin came to live with me. I’m so grateful that Ashwin knows a father that is not a drug addict, but a father who is responsible and caring. Two years ago I married Zelda and I took her son under my wing too. We are a family seeking to better our lives and the lives of others. I am part of the Bible School at Change Makers where I am a leader. I am a member of the organisation of Change Makers, and I am a youth leader in our church.

God has been so good to me. He has brought much healing, closing doors that must be closed, and opening doors that must be opened. I started working immediately after finishing the program 4 years ago, and now I am building my own house with my own two hands. I’m in the process of putting up the roof.

FROM THE CHANGE MAKERS

Christiaan, we are so proud of you. You are fighting the good fight of faith, and you are impacting your community. Your life and light as God’s workmanship, is shining brightly. You bring glory to God! Go in the strength of the Lord, and be a conqueror!