GROWING UP IN THE CAPE FLATS
My name is Leveldro Thurlow Booysen. I am originally from the Cape Flats, where I grew up not having the guidance of a father nor the affection of a mother. I came from a household where it’s uncomfortable to speak about your emotions and where your well-being does not matter. I grew up in poverty and was raised by my granny.
FALLING APART
Not having both my parents raise me contributed to my developing anger and trust issues towards people. At the age of 14, I began smoking cigarettes, but it was no help to the pain I was feeling. I started smoking weed to get rid of all anger and pain, but this only lasted seconds. By the age of 16, I was addicted to weed. I still did not know what a mother’s affections felt like, nor did I have a father figure in my life. I found myself seeking mentorship on the streets of Hanover Park. The friends I made introduced me to a life of substance abuse and gang affiliation.
LEFT SCHOOL
I decided at the age of 17 to drop out of school and pursue a life on the streets. Before reaching the age of 18, I had experienced countless near-death experiences; I got thrown out of the house, experienced one too many times in a cell and had done inhuman-like things to my older brother and father.
DONE FOR
At the age of 18, I thought I was done for. I thought there was no more hope for me. I got myself into lots of trouble, and people started threatening me. For the first time of being in trouble I prayed to a God I did not know, to protect me and grant me a second chance. The threats got worse, and the attacks occurred more often. My flesh gave me two options – either prison or death, but my heart had faith in my prayer to God.
PRAYER ANSWERED
On the 24th of April 2023, my prayer was answered. A pastor by the name of Folla came to fetch me out of my deep pit and took me to an organisation in Worcester called Change Makers. Change Makers laid the foundation in me to be a servant of God. They helped me to find purpose in life and discover my identity in Christ. God has been merciful to me, for which I am super grateful. All glory and honour are to God and my Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
FROM CHANGE MAKERS
Thank you, Theresa, mother of Leveldro, for the way you have been trying to make amends for the lost years in his life after your conversion. Your commitment to help your son brought him to our doorstep, and you gave us the opportunity to partner with you in his restoration. It’s been a great joy to see your reconciliation with Leveldro.
Leveldro, after three years, you are not only back in school, but you have been elected head boy for 2025. May you shine your newfound light in the school you are now serving, and point many scholars to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
