I got involved with a top gang and started skipping school, robbing people, carrying knives, and getting into police chases.The scariest time was when everyone was wearing bulletproof vests because there was going to be a riot. I was so scared I jumped on the train to get away.

Unable to control me, my mother placed me into care. I was sleeping around just to find a place to stay and to feel some affection. I always felt sick after, and I hated it but I thought it was the only way.

When I met a guy who encouraged me to go back to college I thought things would finally be different. It gave me a bit of hope things would turn out OK. I started going to college and that’s where I met Venetia - a member of the Victory Youth Group in Croydon - who kept inviting me to come to church with her but I wasn’t interested.

A cyst erupted in my ovary and I caught two infections from the hospital and nearly died. At this point I had it! I didn’t know how but I wanted to change. Venetia was doing a play in the VYG and she asked me to come and watch so I went. I remember the prayer that was made that day because it was like everything the pastor said in the prayer was happening in my life.

I decided to keep coming to the UCKG and that’s when my life began again. I started opening up to God in my prayers and felt that I needed to break up with my boyfriend. The more I attended, the more peaceful I felt. I started making Chains of Prayer on Fridays and attending the youth meetings on Thursdays.

The more I came, the more things changed. I was also able to gain the confidence to get out of the gang and stopped smoking weed and drinking. I just didn't feel the need for it anymore. I was strong without it. I had gained inner strength. The messages and prayers I received in the VYG helped me to rebuild my life again.

I have a good and ever growing relationship with God and I am thankful every day. God has given me peace, something that no one was able to give me before. I am very happy.

What keeps me coming is the way the people are in the VYG. Everyone seemed to be so happy and I just wanted to be happy too. The prayers and messages also touched me and helped me to change.