Cherri’s Story

If people are encouraged by hearing how someone's life can change for good, then I need to tell my story.

I don't know what happened to my mom. She either died or left when I was little. My father abused me physically and sexually. We lived on the streets or in cars and moved from city to city. I never went to school or had friends.

When I was nine, I saw that my father was messing me over, so I ran away. Detention centers and foster homes kept me running. At age eleven, I started working the streets as a prostitute. My pimp beat me, but at least I had food, clothes, a bed, and enough drugs and booze to not think about life.

At thirteen, I got pregnant and was arrested for drugs and robbery. After I had my baby, I was put in a facility to serve my sentence.

Then the most loving person I had ever met jumped into my story. Melanie, a Youth for Christ staff person, ran a group home for teen moms. She spent time with us and did Bible studies. At first, I went just for the fun part, but then this God stuff started to make real sense. I knew my way of living made no sense.

After hearing Melanie talk about having Christ in her life and God's story, I accepted Christ as my Savior. Jesus rescued me!

My Story includes a horrible childhood, but now I'm a child of God. I still struggle with being okay and trying to be a good mom. But I know God loves me, and I will keep serving Jesus and teaching others God's Story. I'm so thankful there are people who love kids who are in a bad place with no hope. Stories can have happy endings!