Gangster Turns Entrepreneur
How One Kid Went From Hurting to Helping
It's not right. "If you lose your dad, you can always join a gang."
Rodel was just a young boy when he learned his father had died. His mom and 4 brothers and sisters did what they could to survive. Life was hard, especially where he lived in the Philippines. Mom did her best to provide for her family, but Rodel wanted more.
Rodel and Joshua, Philippines
A local street gang promised him what he didn't have and soon Rodel learned that being a gangbanger couldn’t deliver what he really wanted. Shortly after joining the gang he dropped out of school. His prospects for joy and meaning were rapidly disappearing.
In his mid-teens Rodel met Joshua, who led him to faith and offered a radically different vision for life. Joshua mentored Rodel not just in having a close connection with God, but living from a sense of calling. Inspired by his mom’s love for cooking, Rodel started a business with a simple food cart. That food cart multiplied into several businesses. With 60 employees and numerous investments in his local community, Rodel is helping others climb out of poverty and discovering the joy of their life calling.
Rodel and Joshua are part of a strong community in Manila, Philippines that can’t wait to launch a new business startup program with Hope Ventures this coming year. Through your generosity there are many more “Rodels” who will get the help they need to grow businesses and make a lasting difference in the lives of others!
