Berto Rodriguez

Age: 16
Birthday: October 24, 2000
Birthplace: Cushillo Cocha, Peru
Current Location: Iquitos, Peru
Date of Baptism: August 10, 2015
Desired Career: Economics

My name is Berto. Since I was born, I lived alone with my dad. My mom was too young to take care of me; she was only fourteen years old when I was born. I grew up being mistreated by my stepmother. I did not understand why she would do that, because I believed she was my real mom. When I was eight, I met my birth mother and my sister who was born after me. My mom asked my dad if I could come and live with her, and my dad agreed.

I had very difficult times with mother, because she was an alcoholic. She abused and neglected my sister and I. We were in great danger. She left us alone every day. One day when we were alone, an aunt appeared and took my sister with her. I started crying, because I did not understand what was happening. When my mother came home, she was very upset and started to beat me. A neighbor contacted the police on my mother for abusing and neglecting me. The police brought me to a shelter for abandoned boys.

My childhood was so hard. When I arrived at the home, I found their way of life very strange. They spoke of God, love, and forgiveness. I did not understand any of that. One day, God touched my heart, and I came to know Jesus. My life changed forever. I  have forgiven my father, stepmother, and birth mother. I love them very much.

In the home for abandoned boys, I am learning the word of God. I am very encouraged to continue knowing more about the Lord. In this home, we attend Divine Grace Evangelical Christian Church. I like to sing; I am part of the choir. I would like to become a leader in the church and to study economics. I know that God will help me achieve my dreams. I thank God for all He has done for me and for all He will continue to do for me.

In cooperation with peruvian laws, Berto’s real name & photograph cannot be shared in this packet since he is under the age of 18 and is in the care of a nonprofit.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that the vulnerable testimony in this sponsorship packet is shared with the full permission of Berto, who wrote it himself.The sharing of testimonies was optional. Consequences of sharing such personal information with the public via multiple outlets were explained at length beforehand. Even so, Berto willingly and proudly chose to share his story of hardship, suffering, and hope to impact others and bring glory to God. Kings and Queens International is reminded of Luke 8:39, “‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” We are proud of Berto for his boldness in Christ.