WATCH: Chris from Bellavista believes God will honour him one day
He believes nothing is impossible when you believe in God and Jesus Christ.
If you frequent Rifle Range Road in Haddon, you may have seen Chris van Gent from Bellavista and his dog, Prince.
They are opposite KFC at the corner of the Rifle Range and Bellavista roads. As early as sometimes 07:00 daily, you will see them. You can’t miss Prince with his cool shades. And sometimes you can also spot a pigeon, named ‘Mama’, in their company.
Chris, like many Southerners, is unemployed and begs for food, money or any household goods that will get him and his disabled brother, Johan, to get by.
Southern Courier had a chat with him so that people could know ‘the man with a dog’.
“When I was young and naïve, I got into mischievous things that landed me in prison. I was not a hardcore criminal who killed people. I was a common thief, stealing here and there or sometimes robbing people. When I was caught, the court tallied all those crimes and handed me 15 years of imprisonment. I regretted everything I did.
“However, I’m wise now and it has been 27 years of a clean life,” he explained.
He said circumstances brought him to the streets. “A man must live and I have my brother to look after. I used to stand at the traffic lights with my then-dog, Stompie.
“When he passed on because of a heart attack when he was 15 years old I was sad. Then a Good Samaritan who used to pass me every day at the traffic lights bought me, Prince, as a puppy. Now he is two years and four months.
“I am grateful for that lady, as she would buy me food for my dog. I wish I could win Lotto and give back to my community for what I’ve done in the past,” noted Chris.
He said he believes in God and Jesus Christ. He also trusts that, through their mercy, he is still alive. He meets people daily who come to help or greet him.
“I am thriving under the circumstances. However, I believe in His power and one day I will be able to build a church for people in our area. He is the truth and only. He will always be with us,” he said.
Chris mentioned he is a handyman and would appreciate any job offers from people of the south.
“I specialised in silver nickel frames. I used to work in Sandton where we did these frames. I’m an expert in those. I only need someone who can help me continue doing it to make ends meet,” he said.
