Meet Juan Terrazas
Juan, a young 5-year-old boy, rode with his mother and two sisters in a packed van into the United States from Mexico. Their plan was to join his father who had been living and working in Texas for a few months. A number of life-changing events would affect this young boy’s life over the next 15 years.
Nine years after their arrival, Juan's father was arrested by U.S. authorities and deported to Mexico. A month later, his mother returned to Mexico to be with her husband and care for her sick father who was close to death. She took her two sons who had been born in Dallas, leaving Juan and his sister behind with a cousin. Later that year, the cousin’s boyfriend kicked Juan out for no reason, leaving him on the streets of East Dallas to seek help.
At the age of eighteen, Juan surrendered his life to the Lord and began pursuing Him. He soon realized he needed guidance. Help came through David Funke, Director of Dallas Youth With A Mission (YWAM). YWAM had a building across the street from their main facility called “The Timothy House," comprised of four two-bedroom apartments. Seeing that Juan needed help, David moved him in with another young man, giving him shelter and a place to grow in his relationship with the Lord.
Juan spiritually matured in his stay at YWAM and was a constant help by working with the volunteers, mentoring and serving the younger children in the Junius Heights area.
Juan attended public school and became proficient in the English language. Making good grades allowed him to attend and graduate from Junior College through Dallas County Community College.
During this time, Juan developed his musical talent. He performs at churches and various events utilizing a form of Gospel rap music, incorporating songs he has written. Juan’s music can be heard here.
In 2015, the book Left In America, The Story of Juan Terrazas was published. That same year, Juan married Amy Mulloy and relocated to the Atlanta, GA are, where he currently mentors children at The Path Project.
Juan periodically speaks at schools and rallies to inspire youth with his story and motivate them to pursue higher education.
