Testimonies

Below are a few stories of the way that POPUP has changed and impacted students’ lives. This also shows how the impact on an individual can change a community.

George

Manager at 
Print Shop

“I was a young man who thought that no one cared about me, not my family, no one. I started seeking their attention by drinking, sleeping around, and blaming everyone for my mistakes. I thought that the world owed me, but also felt that it was better without me, so I tried running away and committing suicide. During this programme, I learnt to be myself and to understand my purpose. I am not just someone who came to be a nobody, but to be in God’s likeness. I have a daughter whom I couldn’t take care of and I have not been there for her. After this programme I learnt that I need to be responsible and take care of my child. I must be a father who will love and protect his wife and kids. Everything that happened in my life had a purpose and it was a way to help me, strengthen me and change me to become a better man. I feel enlightened after this programme, because of the truth I have received and the knowledge I was given. I have decided to be a better man who fears God and will follow God’s ways, a man who will lead his family and friends to the truth.”

Odirile

Employed

“Growing up as a child was difficult for me, as both my parents were alcoholics, and my dad would beat up my mother and sometimes kick us out. POPUP has taught me about God’s unconditional love and approval, as He alone has my best interest at heart. He alone is able to fill any void and He alone goes through everything I go through with me. I am able, for my God will strengthen me. I have stopped feeling that sex is a part of a relationship, because now I know that it is a part of marriage. I will not let anyone make me think I am worthless. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. My family has actually started praying with me daily.”

Philemon

Employed

“I was always telling myself that I was living ok even though it was not true. But now I feel like a new person. The Foundation for Life programme helped me with so much knowledge, and it opened my mind and eyes that I now think I was totally blind in the past. My life is totally not the same as when I first came here. Everyone must know and experience what I have come to experience and know. Thanks for the knowledge and truth and please it must never end, because I wish to see my brothers and sisters around the world feeling the way I do.”

Reratilwe

Employed

“I lived my life without direction. I was with friends who had a bad influence on me and we smoked weed and drank alcohol. We used drugs to keep us awake all night. I didn’t know anything about God. I was in the dark and never attended church. This programme really changed my life. I feel like I found a family that loves me. I was open to talk to people that I met during this period of time. Now I know myself and what I want for the future. I know my purpose in life and I will make use of all the information and put it into practice. I will make the choices that determines who I want to be in my future. I wish I’ve been here a long time ago, but I still thank God for the gifts that I got from this programme, for it really changed my life and my future.”