Abandoned but Chosen

Krisys Reyes, a woman who traveled thousands of miles to separate from abusive, and strained, relationships, ended up finding Jesus at her turning point. This is a testimony of overcoming rejection, abuse and experiencing the power of God. This is Krisys’ story.

At the age of five, I was taken away from a close relative who was addicted to drugs and sent to the Dominican Republic with my sister. When I was eight or nine while living there, I had an encounter with “the dark side” because a relative was into witchcraft. We left and were under the care of our aunt, who is a pastor. We told her about the demonic presence and were advised to memorize Psalm 23. When the presence came into my room, I began to recite Psalm 23 in Spanish and a light filled the room, and the evil presence never bothered us again. After that, I gave my life to Jesus Christ!

In 2023, I got married to my child's father, who I knew since I was a little girl.  He went to the army then we moved to Germany. After that, a lot of things started to happen. In December, we went to the Dominican Republic [where I am from] to work on our marriage, and a year later, in June, he kicked me and our daughter out of the house. In July, I moved to a new place. I tried to put him through court in the Dominican Republic for custody. I was told "Yes, you are of Dominican parents, but you were born in the United States. You need to go back to the United States to file with the courts there."  But I didn't have the money to return to the States. I called my dad and I explained the situation to him. 

He supported me with food and rent money. During the time my father was helping me, I had to get a protection order against my husband because he broke into my home and became very aggressive with me, and he tried to take our daughter with him. 

My now ex-husband had a different agenda. When he asked me to come back with him to the Dominican Republic, he wanted me back to try to take his daughter with him to have her involved in prostitution. In the Dominican Republic prostitution was legal! My biggest fear was I would be in a country where he has money and he can take her and move whatever he wants in the country. 

December of 2024, I called my mom and I asked for help for a flight back to the States, so I made it back here in March 2025. Soon after, I got on the computer and googled "What is the best shelter in Philadelphia?” and Life Turning Point of Philadelphia came up. I am telling you that was God!

When I found Life Turning Point and I saw they were Christians, I was like this is my chance to get closer to God and to have stability. The Lord prepared me for this because I have been moving from so many places, I never had a stable home. I've been moving from countries to states to cities. So I gave them a call and I was praying and praying, and they gave me a call back; and a week after, they had a space for me. 

I just love this place; it is a blessing to me. Being here, I was able to work towards getting my Dominican citizenship. I was born in New York. Without citizenship or a work permit, I was not able to work in the Dominican Republic. Coming here, I had a goal. I went to court and I took care of custody and child support; I took care of my Dominican citizenship and finalized the divorce. Getting the protection order in the Dominican Republic helped me to get custody in the States. I came here and did all of that so that in the near future I will be going back to my country!

LTP assigned me a personal career counselor, Shekinah, who is helping me with starting my own business teaching Dominicans the English language. This place gave me my life back! I will always love this place. Sis. Rita has been like a mother to me. The mother I always wanted. I see so much of her in me, I love her! I also love Sis, Dianne and Sis. Kelly. I love the Bible classes. I have learned, I have grown, and I have learned to read better! When I return to the Dominican Republic, I will give back to God by helping people, attending church and being with family. However He wants to use me, He can use me. This place will always hold a special place in my heart. This is “Home, sweet home”.

Shortly after completing the interview for the newsletter, with the help of her career counselor at LTP, she wrote a business plan to start her business in the Dominican Republic.  After that, Krisys secured housing and obtained employment in the Dominican Republic.

Once Krisys arrived back home, she expressed her gratitude.  This is an excerpt from the message she sent back to LTP: 

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for opening the doors of Life Turning Point to my daughter and me during one of the most difficult seasons of our lives. Your kindness, guidance, and faith gave us not only shelter, but hope and strength when we needed it most. 

May God continue to bless you, protect you, and multiply the good work you do for so many women and families.”