Antonio's parents are separated. He lived with three brothers and three sisters in Esmereldas which is located on the coast of Ecuador. His dad works on a farm on the side of a mountain. While living with his dad he was treated badly and had not contact with his mother. At the age of ten Antonio decided to leave his situation and live on the streets. While on the streets he tried living with his mother but was not accepted nor treated properly by his step father. He abandoned his idea that he could live with family and has been surviving on the streets ever since.

"I was living on the streets and it was really hard. I had a lot of problems with my friends. They would always try to rob me and fight me all the time. We did drugs and smoked a lot. When I started going to Options for Life, a local soup kitchen run by a church, I met Jesus. After that my life changed. I like being in Casa Gabriel because I can be taught more about God and I have new brothers in Christ."

He is a very teachable boy that is thirsty for the knowledge of how to live for Jesus everyday. He wants to finish school and become a chef. He is also interested in the sport of running. Prayer Requests...

• That he would get along well with his new brothers at Casa Gabriel.
• That he would learn more about Chrsit
• For his friends
• Wisdom and responsibility
• Studies

Angel David
d.o.b. September 24, 1989

Angel David was born in Ambato, Ecuador. His father sells vegetables in the market in Ambato and his mother died in 2003. His family members are firm believers in Jesus Christ.

He left his home in 1998 when he was nine. His family prayed for his safety and return constantly. He got off the streets because he didn't like the lifestyle, which included drugs and delinquency. He became involved at Casa Gabriel in 2001. He decided to leave the house in the summer of 2004 to live with his dad in Ambato. He has just recently returned to Casa Gabriel in August of 2005.

Angel David currently attends school and works very hard. He has grown greatly since he left the house a year ago. Angel David goes by David now because he wants to learn English and he thinks it sounds more American. He enjoys break dancing and playing soccer. Angel David asks prayer for...

• his studies, so he can be "someone in life"
• his family
• to "continue to stand firm in the word of God"

Writing to and sharing your life with a former street kid is one way to have an eternal impact on the kingdom of God. We believe that God has hand-picked each of the boys at Casa Gabriel to turn this world upside-down for Jesus Christ. You can encourage and pray for them as members of a spiritual family. To write to a child, see the address on page 1

Juan
d.o.b. August 20, 1991

Juan was born in Quito. He and his younger brother, William, were abandoned by their mother when they were very young and lived with their father who still works as a shoe-shiner in the bus terminal. Their father was abusive and often drunk. Juan and his brother found their "family" on the streets as this is where they spent most of their time.

Juan first began participating in activities at Casa Gabriel during the day, but eventually both he and William came to live at the house. Juan is now in school and works very hard to get good grades. Juan has had many ups and downs as he wrestles with abandonment issues. He is very bright and capable and does well in school when not blinded by his anger.

Juan likes to play soccer and ride horses, listen to hip-hop, and perform his original hip-hop songs. He asks prayer for...

• his studies
• his family
• protection
• God's hand in his life

You can send an email (Spanish only please) to Juan by clicking here.

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Daniel
d.o.b. July 22, 1990

Daniel was born in Mouisne, at the northern coast, where his mother, three younger sisters and older brothers now live. He is from an extremely poor family. He now has regular contact with his mother. Daniel traveled extensively throughout Ecuador when he was on the streets. As a young mother with seven kids, hardly any education, she was overwhelmed and was not able to provide what Daniel needed growing up. A modern day Huckleberry Finn, Daniel found his niche living on the streets.

In 2001 Daniel was living at the bus station in Quito when he came to live at Casa Gabriel. This is where he heard about God's love for him. Daniel tried living with his mother for about a year in 2006 but he quickly fell back into old patterns.

Daniel is very creative and is learning to develop his skills of expression in art. Like one of his older brothers Daniel has a beautiful voice which he loves to use in the house and at church. Daniel asks prayer for...

• Pray that my family will know God.
• For my spiritual life
• For my studies
• For my father