The first time I saw her it was as if the life had left her eyes. The years of pain had taken their toll. Candice started taking Meth at the age often. The local pimp gave her first dose for free. Once she was hooked he made her perform sexual favors for her next fix. This went on for three years. She isthe oldest of 5 children from 5 different fathers. Her mother was an alcoholic. No one intervened. It seemed, no one cared. Finally, her frequent absences from school led to an investigation. At age 13, after three years of hell, she was brought to Teen Challenge. I was there that day.
Mindy and I were just beginning our KidsQuest DrugFree training in Cape Town, South Africa. We were training ex drug addicts to perform a school show that would teach kids to stay off drugs. The government officials were coming to see our show at the end of the week. We had four days to get these young peopleready to deliver the most important performance of their lives. I had auditioned them carefully and had chosen myclowns. One of the girls I had chosen as a clown had been assigned as a mentor. Sitting next to this young woman at our rehearsals was Candice.
The first day she sat, as if in a daze. She stared blankly at nothing in particular. Honestly, I took little notice,I was really focused on reaching children. Wow, shame on me. The second day, I gave her something to do and she looked at me. This time there was a hint of life inher eyes. By the third day, she was my designated helper, fetching me props and going for water for the clowns. Suddenly, she was surrounded by happy people and had a purpose. I saw her smile, perhaps for the first time in years. It was a real big smile, the kind of smile you give when you have just been rescued from a burning building or handed water after crawling through the desert. Candice gave her heart to Jesus the next Sunday.
When I realized what was happening to Candice and the extent of the abuse she had endured, I just had to stop… and cry. Then I thanked my savior for his ability to transform a life. The clowns were trained that week to make children laugh so their hearts would be open to a very important message. Little did I know, the first heart to be opened by our efforts would be the heart of a broken child….little Candice.
In case you are still wondering… Candice is on the left.
There are millions of Children around the world, just like Candice that need Jesus. They need people who will stand up and say, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”!
For Quest Ministries to reach a child like Candice costs an average of $2.00.. the price of a large soda. Quest Ministries is determined to make a difference in the lives of children around the world.
How many children will you help us reach?
