“Sandy a strong and brave young woman.
She is 22 years old and has always lived in the garbage dump area. Her testimony is evidence of the process of transformation that has taken 18 years to achieve.”
“My parent’s relationship was very complicated. There was a lot of jealousy, shouting and fighting. My father would constantly hit my mother due to his jealous nature. My older sister and I were very scared. My grandma would always take my sister and me to sit outside. As we would sit there, we would watch children go to Potter’s House and participate in the different activities. In 1998 I first went to Potter’s House when I was four. I participated in Bible School and I felt like it was a safe haven and that my parent’s relationship couldn’t touch or affect me. Afterward, I had the opportunity to be part of the Education Program and this made me so happy because I knew that Potter’s House was a place I could learn more about God. In 2003 my parents couldn’t afford to buy school supplies and uniforms; however, thanks to Potter’s House I was able to continue to study and graduate elementary school. In addition, I would get a nutritious snack in the morning and a meal in the afternoon.”
“In 2007 many things happen that marked my life. My parents decided to separate. It was very hard for my mother who became depressed. She also started to drink and she wouldn’t eat or leave her room. Even though I thought the decision was a good one (since I wouldn’t be hearing anymore shouting or looking at any more blood) I couldn’t say it or show it in fear of this affecting my mother even more. During this hardship, Potter’s House was there for my family’s spiritual, moral and emotional needs. However, God had a perfect plan for me. Through Potter’s House, I was able to get a scholarship to continue middle school. They also provided medical attention when I broke my arm. My grandparents were responsible for our upbringing. My grandmother always thought I was going to end up like my mother. And that I would always stay stuck in poverty. For a long time, I thought that was true.”
But when I got the scholarship for middle school, it became the biggest push for me to believe what Potter’s House had been saying for many years: “YOU ARE WORTHY. YOU ARE A KING’S DAUGHTER, WHO PAID FOR YOUR SINS AND MADE YOU IN HIS IMAGE. DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED WHEN YOU HAVE THE LORD BY YOUR SIDE AND YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO DO GREAT THINGS. THE LORD CAN BREAK ALL CHAINS.”
“In 2010 through Potter’s House help I was able to continue studying high school. All of these accomplishments made me grow closer to God, wanting to overcome poverty and trust all the plans God has for me. In 2013 God opened the door for me to become a Community Facilitator where I was confronted with the reality of the communities. Although I have lived there my entire life, I was unaware of the big need there is of God in these communities. And in 2015 God gave me a huge gift, I was promoted to be a Community Center Assistant. This has helped me learn about other areas that are in need. I like helping children and community center volunteers believe in God more and to let them know they can change their way of thinking.”
Not everything in Sandy’s life is fixed. However now that she is empowered with the necessary tools to continue her development, she can overcome life’s tests. Her biggest wish is to continue serving God and share with others what she has learned and had a multiplying effect.
“My sister and I thought everything was getting better, but suddenly one day our mother left us. Now we were responsible for our two younger sisters and brother, Wanda and Emmanuel. Anybody would have turned away from God, but through the Christian principles that Potter’s House has taught me, I didn’t turn away. Instead, I continued to trust Him and bend my knees because I know that one day my family will be restored and they will be walking alongside God.”
“My biggest dream is for my brother and sisters to serve God as I do. I am grateful that God has allowed me to know about Potter’s House. I think if I had not known Potter’s House during those difficult moments I wouldn’t be the strong and brave Christian woman that I am today. I have plans to continue university. I know that it won’t be easy but I won’t let my circumstances come in my way. I will always trust the Lord.”