Enrico’s Story
God, Leadership , StoriesContributed by: UrbanPromise Toronto
“When I was a kid in camp, my leaders would tell me that I was leading the other kids. Apparently they looked up to me. So I became a StreetLeader too.” – Enrico, 16
Enrico’s family moved to Canada from Congo when he was 4 years old. They have lived in the Toronto Community Housing neighbourhood of Warden Woods ever since. Enrico’s mom sent him and his siblings to UPT’s After School Program after hearing about it from friends.
“The best part when I was a kid, were the skits. When I grow up I want to be an actor. I found the skit so interesting – that you could make a story from your imagination.”
Enrico’s vibrant personality (and obvious talent for acting) shone from day one, through skits and games he participated in. He’s always displayed strong leadership qualities and excels at making people laugh.
It was at camp that Enrico first met Jesus. He became aware of his need for God through a verse that was our summer theme a couple of years ago: I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
“I have ADHD, I didn’t like help at school or from anybody – it made me feel less of myself. But when I read this verse it told me I need help, I can’t do it all by myself. God is with me and He helps me,” Enrico says. So how does a young man like Enrico stay grounded despite the pressures he faces from his peers, and the rampant temptations of alcohol and drugs in his neighbourhood?
“I like watching online sermons… in one of them the pastor puts a tiny piece of tape at the tip of a long rope. The tape represents our life on earth, and the rope represents eternity. That gave me a visual of how short our time is here, and how long we have with God. It’s pointless to give into these temptations now when you have all this eternal life promised with God.”
Along with acting Enrico dreams of his future as a fire fighter or a singer. We are so excited to see how God continues to use Enrico for His glory, in Warden Woods and beyond!