A 19-year-old African American boy named Max Jones, has beaten the odds after winning full scholarships to three universities in the United States despite experiencing homelessness and extreme hardship.
Max grew up in North Carolina, where life was a constant struggle. Living with his mother and half-siblings, he faced deep financial instability and unstable housing.
Though they were managing through but things became harder after his stepfather came back into their life. Hoping to build a better future, he took a bold step and moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he enrolled at George Wythe High School.
But life got worse. Max had no place to stay, leaving him with no option but to live in his car.
”I still wore the same clothes. They were never clean, they were never dirty. They were just wearing the same clothes. Like sweats, joggers, Crocs. I’m not able to take showers, I’m not able to eat,” Maz said.
Still, Max kept showing up to school. He worked part-time at a local restaurant, doing all he could to survive. Some of his teachers and mentors noticed his struggle and tried to help, offering meals or paying for a night in a hotel when possible.
Luck finally shone on him the day Pastor Robert Winfrey from New Life Deliverance Tabernacle visited Max’s school. When he heard Max’s story, he was touched and immediately helped him.
Pastor Winfrey offered him a room in the church’s cottage, giving him a safe space, food, and access to a bathroom.
“I wanted to make sure that he wasn’t completely dismantled because of his situation. All he needed was that one push, and thank God so far he got that push,” Winfrey said.
Now, Max is preparing to graduate from high school with outstanding grades. Additionally, he has received full scholarships to several colleges, including Paine College in Georgia, Virginia Union University, and Ohio State University.
Max is still in awe of how far he has come, but he already knows what he wants to do next. He dreams of giving back to the people who helped him and making a lasting difference in the world.
“Maybe I might not be fully conscious of what I’m saying right now but I’m going to change the world. And I’m going to give back to everybody who gave to me. Everybody,” he said.
