Antoine’s Story

Antoine first heard about Vagabond at the start of the 2021 school year when he was in eighth grade. It all began at Figures Park, on the basketball court, a place where he never expected to meet people like the missionaries. To him, it was surprising—and selfless—that they would choose to come to that area simply to give teens like him a chance. Their kindness, humor, and welcoming nature made an impression on Antoine from the very beginning.

As he spent more time with the missionaries, Antoine formed deep bonds with them, and they began to feel like family to him. Through their support, he found personal growth, new experiences, and a sense of belonging that had been missing in his life.

Trauma and scars from Antoine’s past had left him feeling unloved, unheard, and as though he didn’t belong. This pain had shaped a negative outlook on God, leading him to respond to life’s difficulties with negativity. But through Vagabond, things began to change.

God was working in Antoine’s life, shaping him into a more positive person. Through the support of the missionaries and the opportunities placed before him, he felt the grace of forgiveness and second chances. He longed for a deeper connection with God, and there was one moment that stood out: his time at Life Teen Camp Hidden Lake. During adoration, he felt that he was kneeling directly in front of God, surrounded by his presence. That experience left an undeniable mark on his heart, reinforcing the feeling that God had always been with him and that he could speak to him openly and genuinely.

Antoine’s journey with Vagabond was more than just an experience—it became a pivotal chapter in his life. Through the love and guidance of the missionaries, he found not only a community but also a renewed faith and a deeper understanding of God’s presence in his life.