In 2022, Vic returned to his homeland of South Africa for a brief personal visit. Disaster struck whilst he was there and he suffered three strokes, one after another. A long and uncertain road to recovery now stretched out ahead of him, and his stay in South Africa was extended for longer than he’d planned. After more than four weeks of absence from the UK he lost access to his pension credit payments, leaving him with no access to funds, away from home and nowhere to stay when he left hospital. Things looked very bleak but a chance meeting with a local pastor led to a new friendship and he was given opportunities to hear the gospel. He eventually received Jesus into his life, giving his life to Jesus and becoming part of a local church, though still homeless.
But God was not finished with Vic! His Pastor offered to fund his flight back to the UK and in October 2024 Vic flew home. He was put in touch with the Pastor of Good Shepherd Mission in Tower Hamlets who then referred him to the GrowTH nightshelter.  Vic was very grateful for the support and love he received in the shelter. And after a few weeks GrowTH was pleased to be able to offer him a place that had opened in the Housing Project and Vic gratefully accepted.
Since joining, Vic has been blessed by the sense of community in our day centre, particularly joining in with the Friday films and the lunches provided. He’s attended some of the bible studies and continued to build connections at Good Shepherd mission. GrowTH has been able to help Vic re-establish his pension credit payments, apply for Housing Benefits and work on plans for his future, including moving down to the coast and enjoying a well earned rest in Cornwall.