I dropped out of school in Grade 11 and startled mingling with the wrong crowd. Although there was a lot of peer pressure, I can only blame myself for wrong choices that I made. I had a good job, but due to my drug addiction, I lost everything. I lived with a girl and we had a daughter, but even they left me after 3 or 4 years when realising I can’t even look after myself, let alone them.

The noose around my neck became too tight. My debt with the merchant was becoming bigger because of my drug habit. I wasn’t able to pay him. I was forced to flee to the streets because my life was in danger. I lived a secluded life under a bridge on the outskirts of Worcester for one year and 8 months.

DARK PLACE

This was a very dark place in my life – the lowest of the low. I was turning my anger toward God, asking Him if this was the life He intended for me. I think it was a desperate cry to Him, deep from within my soul.

EDMUND AND AUBIN JOGGED BY

I didn’t know Edmund personally, but we both grew up in Avian Park. He and Aubin were jogging by. I couldn’t believe the change I saw in Edmund. I stopped him and asked him what happened? Although Edmund had a lot to say, only two things stood out for me in that conversation: THE LORD and CHANGE MAKERS!

HOPE FOR ME?

I was filthy, reeking, and I was a mess! But if the Lord could do it for Edmund, couldn’t he do it for me too? How can I get out of this hole? All the doors had closed because of who I had become. I had done so much wrong and I had hurt so many people. Could I muster enough courage to go to my father and ask him if he will accompany me to the Change Makers? I was shy to face anyone. I was ashamed of who I had become.

When my dad (who is a widower – my mom died 12 years ago) saw me, he didn’t say anything about my appearance. My dirt and smell didn’t put him off. He immediately said yes, he’ll come with me to Moria House.

MORIA HOUSE

I was so ashamed and shy to ask for help. But on 20 September 2021, when I entered Moria House, a door of hope opened for me.

I had absolutely nothing, only the filthy clothes on my back. I was taken to Ground Level where I had to spend the first week in isolation. It was a good week for me. The staff pooled together and bought me basic stuff like underwear, toiletries, sandals, and I was given clean clothes to wear. A thought captured my heart: “If this is what the Lord is doing for me, how can I ever betray Him?!”

MY LIFE CHANGED

I graduated successfully from the program in March 2022 and was given the opportunity to stay in the Level 4 cabin. I became a carpentry apprentice and found so much joy as I worked with wood. I took pride in what I was making with my hands.

By July 2023 I was able to build myself a three room cabin in Avian Park. My 8 year old daughter was living in Cape Town and I longed for our relationship to be restored. I made the necessary arrangements to fetch her, and to place her in a school. She now lives with me – she loves and adores me!

MARRIED

I married in December, and we are settling down as a happy family. I am so grateful for all God has done for me. What a joy to be part of His Kingdom!

FROM THE CHANGE MAKERS’ SIDE

Gerrit is now on staff working in the Carpentry Division, where he is not only helping with manufacturing products, but showing other participants in the program how to work with wood. His quiet, gentle way has a strength beyond measure. He is becoming a strong leader. He joined the Bible School and is growing spiritually. He is a great example to all of us. As a reward for who Gerrit has become, he was awarded an honorary Change Maker jacket at our gala.

We wish you all the best Gerrit!