a teen's story

Teen testimony from House of Hope Orlando

My name is Zack, and I'm 16. I am currently living at House of Hope. I started getting into trouble when I was 13 years old. I was hanging around older people who were into many wrong things. I drifted further away from my family. My friends became more of my priority, because my mom and dad were never there for me.

From all of the trouble I had gotten into, I was charged with grand theft and ended up on probation. When that happened, I started to go downhill and the Juvenile Detention Center became my second home. I was in and out of there for various violations of probation charges such as armed robbery, domestic violence and drugs.

My drug habit was so bad, I robbed people to get what I needed. Money, drugs and violence became the only thoughts that consumed my mind. I had no remorse for anything. What I wanted was all I cared about. For example, if you had something I wanted, I would take it. My situation just kept getting worse.

I was sentenced to go to a Level VI program, which is the same as a lockdown prison for teenagers. I went to a detention center to wait for my placement. I was sitting there for 2 ½ months waiting, when finally my parents went before the County Judge to see if I would be able to go to House of Hope. A miracle happened! The judge approved and I was then released to House of Hope that day.

Just being here at House of Hope, I have found out who I really am in Christ and my purpose. I have acknowledged Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I am now a different and better person. I realize that helping people is better than hurting them. I am determined to serve God, and tell my friends about Him even if I get thrown in the Lion's Den like David did for worshipping God. I found out through stealing, drugs and robbing people that there's no good outcome. The best I can do is live right and honor God, and I know He'll take care of me. >> more info at http://www.nationalhouseofhope.org/orlando