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MY FAITH TESTIMONIAL: OLIVER BUENO

from MyVegas 223 - Nova Star Dance Co.

from MyVegas 223 - Nova Star Dance Co., page 179

WHAT’S THE DISH? CUBANIDAD 1885

My Name is Oliver Bueno. I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I grew up on the East side of town in the projects. At the age of 5 years old, I was introduced to alcohol and pornography.

By the age of 8, The Metropolitan Police were already knocking at my door. My involvement in gang activity was introduced to me by my older fraternal twin siblings and their friends. Hallucinogens, Marijuana, Cocaine and Meth all became a part of life by 14 years old. Eventually using led to me selling at 14. The Juvenile Correctional Facility became my home on and off for several years during my youth. A judge that sentenced me described me as a “Menace to Society “. I’ve witnessed many unfortunate things in my younger years including, my friend shot in the head who was only 15 years old. On a different occasion, I personally was shot and survived a gunshot with a .45 Caliber to the abdomen. Only by the Grace of God, am I still alive today. I met the mother of my daughters during a drug transaction at the age of 20. We messed around sporadically and within a few months, she was pregnant. She didn’t have the ideal life herself. Her parents were using drugs while moving her from motel to motel. My parents and I took her in. However, our relationship was extremely toxic. During our relationship, she and I were always drunk or high. I was still running the streets and being promiscuous, but I still tried my best to help raise my daughters. In 2009 I was arrested at my kid’s mother’s home and charged with a felony. I then violated my probation which sent me back to prison. After my release from prison 3 years later, I tried to establish a relationship with my daughters but, have not been successful as their Mom continues to control the situation. “I’m not a deadbeat father” as their Mom says.

December of 2012, I met Tina. We started out as friends and hung out daily. She was different. Although we partied together, she had herself together. Eventually, she invited me to church. I couldn’t sit still during the service. I ended up walking out during worship. Then she “uninvited me to church”. I didn’t feel I deserved a woman of her lifestyle, however God had a different plan. She was undoubtedly wife material and a beautiful believer in the Lord and she attended church regularly. Soon I realized how much “I missed my friend” and I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. She allowed me back into her life under one condition. I had to attend Hope for Prisoners and church. I was ALL IN. That was the greatest decision I ever made. I started Hope for Prisoners in July 2015, and by my third week, and hearing the story of HOPE, I realized there was hope for me too! Hope for Prisoners is a Faith Based program offering a second chance for those who have been incarcerated. Through the stories and testimonials, I became emotional and that began to draw me closer to God. Prior to this experience, I was never really in touch with my emotions. I never cried, and I never cared. It was one day at The Crossing when Pastor Shane asked who wants to accept Jesus into their heart. And I was convinced this is the life I want to live. I graduated from Hope for Prisoners and surrendered my life to Christ! Life may not be perfect but, I trust God, and to this day He has never let me down.

Today, I have a new life, a wonderful wife, and an awesome career. I’m also now an ordained chaplain/deacon, LVMPD RECAP Volunteer and community mentor. God transforms every test into a testimony, every mess into a message, and your misery into ministry to share and give others hope. Take it from me, the street life is one big lie. The Truth is in God and believing in Him, and following Him. If you ever would like to meetup for coffee and the Word, join me at New Journey Church of Las Vegas. MV

Central Church is a place where it is okay to not be okay, dedicated to introducing people to Jesus and helping them follow Him. Senior Pastor, Jud Wilhite, has served at Central Church since 2003, helping Central grow from one location in Henderson, NV, to a multi-site church with physical locations throughout Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Mexico, and Australia.