At just ten years of age, William in Ecuador was filled with hate. His father spent all his money on alcohol and beat William’s mother and the children. The family eventually was on the streets with nowhere to go and nothing to eat.

William vowed to kill his father as soon as he was able.

After traveling to another city to look for work, William’s father was hired by people from a local church. William, his mother and his siblings started attending the church, but his father continued to drink and abuse his family. He threatened them with even worse violence if they ever revealed this secret to the church members.

Through Awana at the church, William put his faith in the Lord Jesus Chris. He then insisted that his father had to attend church with the rest of the family. There, this alcoholic learned that God could save him from drink— and give him eternal life.

Once filled with hatred, William now says, “I give thanks that my father accepted the Lord. In lots of families, when the dad comes home, he beats everyone. My house is not like that anymore.”

William is already taking training to be an Awana leader. Just ten years old, he leads a group of children from the church to neighboring villages where they share Jesus’ love and message of hope. Praise God for William, a young evangelist, and his family members who now know, love and serve Christ!

- Connect Newsletter – Summer 2013