Andrew was born in a time when American soldiers spent their R&R in places like Pattaya, Thailand. Today, through many tears, Andrew told us his story:
I don’t have a father. I don’t know who he is, I don’t know his name, or where he’s from. When I first went to school I didn’t feel like anything was out of the ordinary. I was living with my mother, she’s an awesome lady who has always loved me wonderfully. But when I got to about grade four I began to feel something strange deep inside. Every year on Father’s Day there would be a contest to write the best tribute to your father. Every year, the dreaded Father’s Day came, and I would have to write again about the love of my father. And at every attempt I would feel more worthless than the year before. Worthless, because I had to face the fact, and admit to everyone that I don’t have a dad. And because I have black skin, the other kids would ask me, “Are you a half breed? Who is your father?” This was double shameful for me because I actually didn’t have an answer. Then I found a way to avoid the shame – I just made something up. I told everybody that my dad was half Mexican and lived in America. The truth is I didn’t know where Mexico or America was but the lie seemed to work. I told the lie so often over the years that I almost believed it myself. Then one day I met two missionaries from this church, Simon and Hannah. They were in front of my school after class and they invited me to come and learn English. The English program was great but of course they had more to tell me. They told me about the things that Jesus taught and I began to see what a broken boy I really was. Every time I looked in the mirror, what I saw was not what I wanted to be, instead I saw a guy who could not face the truth. I saw a guy who lied to himself every day and I began to despise the lie. It’s one thing to hate it when people lie to you, but how much worse it is to be the liar!
The very day I received Christ, the Holy Spirit began to work in my heart. For the first time in my life I felt repentant for the things I was doing, and I felt I needed to do something about all the offences I had committed. The first thing I did was go back home, get down on my knees and tell God, “I am truly sorry for the things I’ve done.” I instantly sensed Jesus’ forgiveness but still didn’t feel like the misdemeanours had been erased. It became clear that I also needed to respond to what God wanted to do in my life, otherwise I would have to live a new lie. So the next day I went to see Simon, he had become my big brother. Simon was the first person I told, “I don’t know who my dad is.” Then I went back to school and I told all my friends there, “I’ve been lying to you, I don’t know who my dad is.” This was so difficult because it was such a painful place for me but I want to thank the Holy Spirit for giving me the boldness and strength.
One of the most powerful things I’ve learned in church is that I am not a boy without a dad, my real father is in heaven.
I describe my life like a boat, floating on a sea of people, all those people that I was trying to impress. And I tried to anchor my life with that crazy lie about my dad, but there was no happiness in it, just torment. So whether the problems come looking for you or you’re the one who makes the problems, abandon your own anchor and anchor your life in Jesus. Let his promises hold you steady. I am so happy to be saved and to never have to fear another problem. My real Father gives me strength every day, He holds me up, He keeps me safe.
Andrew is determined to attend Victory Asia Bible college in September 2019 and prepare for ministry – but he needs a sponsor. Email me if you want to be a dad behind the scenes for Andrew – it’s tax deductible 🙂 Al Purvis, exec@wmcontinuum.com
Andrew’s mom came to church this morning to listen to her son’s story. She too is tired of living under the shame and trying to keep her boy hidden from view all these years. She noticed such a difference in Andrew’s life once he was born again. He turned the rejection into a great love and respect for his mother. Today she accepted Christ! She is a sweet lady, and now they look so cute together.
