“I lost my job and had no option but to sleep in a park. I am originally from the northern parts of South Africa and was promised the south’s wealth could make me happier. I was told my contract would not be renewed and the little money I had to my name was going to last only a few months. I had no choice but to find an old cardboard box to use as my matress and some plastic bags I pushed together acted as my pillow. For dinner I would buy chicken bones from the local supermarket and then boil them in a tin can. The tinny taste didn’t matter when you were hungry.

I remember a group of people coming to the park and wanting to speak with me about my life. I told them my story and they said they could maybe help me. They came back every week to check on how I was doing and then one week they brought me some very good news. They said that they have found a place in a shelter for me to sleep. That evening they asked if I would like to pray with them to give thanks to God for what had been provided:

“Hello God. It’s me, Lucky. Thank you. Amen.”

I went with them to the night shelter where I had a shower and slept in a bed for the first time in months. They came back to visit me every week and encouraged me to look for work. I went through some big up’s and down’s but eventually I found a great job working as a security guard at the Waterfront. After getting a job they assisted me in getting to a 2nd phase night shelter which had less rules and more private residence. Since then they have helped me try get my Matric (final year of school) as well as offer financial advice about saving money and investing in my future. The biggest reward has been their constant friendship, spiritual guidance, prayers and support. I’m not sure what would have happened if I didn’t meet them but God had a plan for me using these people.”