Stories

Over the years, alcohol, drugs, and legal troubles followed Julio like a dark shadow. The recent death of his mother only deepened his grief, driving him further into alcohol abuse. When Pastor Ray and Mila arrived, Julio stepped out onto the porch to meet them, his three adult—but still young—children close behind.

It didn’t take long for Julio to open up. He spoke honestly about his brokenness.

Pastor Ray listened with understanding. Before surrendering his life to Christ, he had faced similar struggles. Gently, he shared about the power of forgiveness and the hope that had changed his own life.

“God is big,” he told Julio. “If He can do it for me, He can do it for you.”

At those words, Julio broke down, weeping as Pastor Ray held him.
“When we came with this Box of Love, it gave us a way to step in and pray for him,” Pastor Ray later said. “I didn’t know him, but he cried on my shoulder the entire visit.”

What began as a simple act of kindness became something far greater. As the Holy Spirit worked through that moment—and through the testimony of a once-broken man now restored—Julio surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. His three children, witnessing their father’s transformation, made the same decision.

The following Sunday, Julio, his children, and a nephew attended church. Overcome by God’s love, Julio knelt at the altar. From that day forward, church became a regular part of their lives as hope and healing took root in the family.

One year later, Julio and his children celebrated their salvation anniversary by packing Boxes of Love® to serve others.

“The one who was served has now become the servant,” Pastor Ray said. “Julio is helping bring the hope of Jesus to the community.”

As Julio grew in his faith, others noticed. More than a dozen of his friends came to know Christ through his witness.
“He just blossomed like a butterfly,” Mila said. “Even when he stumbled in recovery, he always moved forward.”

Julio, a devoted single father, found deep gratitude for the church family that embraced him and his children—a support that became even more meaningful after he passed away from the lingering effects of alcoholism.

Before his death, he offered his eldest son, Cesar, one final piece of guidance:
“You need to be mentored by Pastor Ray and Jimmy Badillo.”

Even in his passing, Julio’s legacy of faith continues to shape lives.