The Boea Family

“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’”
Luke 18:27

Pat: Before I found God, I had been married for eight years without any kind of spirituality in my life or my household. I loved my wife and kids very much but my actions were not showing that at all. Because I was very selfish, I did what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it. I worked two or sometimes three jobs. My thinking was that on my free time I could hang with my buddies, often getting drunk and missing time with my wife and very young kids.

As time went on my marriage started to take a nose dive. Because of my pride and selfishness, I could not see how much my sin was killing my family. One day following numerous fights, we had a climactic fight in the front yard of the house. Pam told me she was going to leave me. I was so prideful I thought that she was lying and I didn’t think she would really do it. But she did, and our kids suffered. I remember my so-called “friends” being over one night telling me that “I was the man!” because I still had the house. After drinking that night, I clearly remember sitting in the living room crying so hard that I began to throw up. I missed my family so much that I told God that I would do anything to have my family back. After a couple of months, Pam began to study the Bible and was soon baptized. I began to study the bible shortly after that. It was a hard road, but I knew that the only way to have my family back was to have God in my life.

Pam: One word described my thinking in my formative years: confused. I grew up watching people being controlled by alcohol and using drugs, yet then telling me that I shouldn’t. I saw people married to someone they were supposed to be in love with but instead were living miserable lives.

I got married at the age of 18. On the day of my wedding, I remember weeping as people were congratulating me, but thinking to myself, “what have I done, marriages don’t work.” But I tried to smile and lied to them, saying “I’m just so happy”. I was really terrified. Six years later my marriage had become very miserable. I selfishly worked a lot and went out of town often because I thought being able to buy “things” made me a good mother. Pat and I argued a lot. Almost everyday I would complain to him about what I thought he needed to do for me. At night, he would turn over and go to sleep while I would cry myself to sleep. Eventually, I moved out and got an apartment. I was so selfish I didn’t even consider how this would affect my kids. During this time I dated a lot, often went to clubs, and worked as much as I could. But no matter what I did, I still felt empty and alone. I didn’t know how to change.

After six months Pat asked me if I would move back home. I said yes only because I knew he was considering moving down south and I wanted a free ride. I remember driving home from work thinking, “What now, God? What am I supposed to do with my life? I have everything I dreamed about as a little girl, but I feel so empty.” God answered my prayer. A friend called me and invited me to a Bible study with some women she had met. I started studying with them and reading the Bible on my own. Three weeks later, I was baptized. My whole life changed. I no longer feel empty, confused and alone. In the Bible, I have found the answers and direction I needed for my life.

Pat: After Pam’s baptism, she was so happy. I wanted what she had. I started studying and was baptized two months later. Now everyday that I wake up and spend time with God, I feel like anything is possible. It was possible to repair my marriage and my life. It is possible to change. Our dream is to bring this same hope to the people of Chicago and the world.

To God be the glory forever!
Pat & Pam Boea

Categories: Testimonials