My former profession
I grew up in the western suburbs of Adelaide. My parents migrated to Australia in the early 60’s. Raised a Greek orthodox, I religiously attended church with my family every Easter.
I never understood what it meant to be Greek orthodox. Portraits in the church; the crucifix; apocalyptic paintings of angels; resurrection scenes and the second coming; I couldn’t understand what all this had to do with me. My mind was focused on survival and getting through the day.
Mum, I and my little brother, lived in perpetual fear of my father, who would explode with violent rage, beating and bashing us all for no apparent reason.
As well as his drinking, partying and gambling problems, I helplessly watched my mum being bashed repeatedly, criticized, put down and treated like a door mat.
I withdrew into my self and would often day dream about setting my mother free by murdering my father. My mum put up with so much abuse yet continued to work, cook and look after my little brother who was born with congenital heart disease.
He had many operations spending months at a time in hospital. I loved my mum very much, and wanted to help her in every possible way.
At eleven I came home from school to find my mum gone—left home. I was devastated. Where did mum go? Three months later she appeared at school. Recovered from the beating she’d received from dad, she took my brother and me fleeing for our lives in search of freedom.
We were like the hunted as my father tried to find us at our new school. We’d run and hide in the girls toilets for safety. Dad was afraid of dogs so I bought three dogs to patrol the yard so we could sleep at night.
My entry into crime started shortly after coz we’d fled with nothing except the clothes we wore. I would hear mum crying herself to sleep, stressed out over the bills and working hard to make ends meet.
I came up with my plan.
Yo-Yo’s were popular at school. If I could steal and sell them at half price I could do alright. I stole hundreds of them and had a thriving business. I moved on to selling flick knives; supplying them ….. I started to learn the tricks of the trade.
I moved onto bigger things realising making money didn’t need an education, just determination and guts. I began to make money and lots of it. I became popular; self determined to get anything and do whatever I wanted. I’d had enough of being told what to do by my father - not interested in listening to any one.
My mother lost control of me when I got involved with the local gang, smoking marijuana, fighting, vandalism, crime and sex.
Out of hatred for my teacher and school, I broke in overturning my desk, ripping and burning my books. Next I destroyed the administration office, while narrowly escaping the massive explosion which followed.
I got caught and arrested, went to Juvenile Home but had a “devil may care” attitude. Crime became my profession. I believed I was born to be a criminal and I was going to die a criminal. I had everything this life could offer—beautiful home, expensive sports car and brand name clothes.
He came up with His plan.
My wife had become a Christian and began telling me about the Bible while we were away on our honeymoon on the Greek Islands. I was stuck on the words of Jesus—’What good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his own soul.’ My heart was touched deeply and I knew God was calling me to surrender my life to live for Him.
My mates and all my criminal associates were shocked to hear my resignation from crime and turning to Christ; as well as the Federal Police, the State Police and the National Crime Authority.
I am amazed at the miracle work of God to save me and change me. I have forgiven my father and truly love him today.
I am now able to deal with my rage problem, have the ability to exercise patience and self-control, to love others; seek to do good and have the ability to stay faithful to my wife and discipline my children with love
and firmness.
I thank God for His grace and mercy as He has taught me a whole new way of living life.