Alberton based Allen Kruger’s inspiring journey of resilience and hope
With dreams of becoming a worship singer and opening his own nursery, Allen's story serves as a beacon of hope for all who encounter him.
At the intersection of Heidelberg and Ascot roads, opposite Lemon Tree Shopping Centre, Allen Kruger (32), once lost in the grips of addiction, is now on a mission to make a change.
His story is one of redemption, resilience and a connection to a higher calling.
“I was a crystal meth addict for many years and received a message that I must sell plants. God will provide for me. I then said I will do it. But if it didn’t work out, I would go back to drugs. That’s the thing with addicts, drugs are the only thing we know and when all else fails, we go back to what we know,” said Allen.
A test
In 2023, the EMPD came and took everything Allen had.
“I cried for days. I could not understand what the purpose was and I had questioned God,” he said.
Then all of a sudden residents came by and started dropping off plants and donations for Allen.
“I was in awe as I could not believe my eyes, soon I had even more than I had before.”
People brought plants from their gardens and plant cuttings with pots. “I then realised this was a test and I passed it as I did not go back to my old ways.”
His own business
It’s been more than a year and till today residents still support Allen.
“I have two options. Either people can buy plants from me or they can bring a plant and trade it for another plant.”
He has an abundance of succulents because they don’t need a lot of water. “I buy my water from the garage down the road.”
Allen hopes to inspire others. “I am selling plants which have the fruits of the spirit. There are a lot of chances in life and there is hope, you just need to think out of the box.”
Allen said that his prices are affordable. “You are buying a plant imbued with prayers,” he said.
You will find Allen at his plant table seven days a week.
A life companion
Allen recently found a bucket full of abandoned puppies in the field across from the shopping centre where he is staying. He then took the puppies in a bag to the Alberton SPCA.
“I walked back to where I stay with the same bag I took the puppies to the SPCA and I heard a noise. I started looking around and that was when I saw her,” he said.
Somehow one of the puppies stayed behind and Allen felt the urge to keep her and take care of her.
“This was another message from the Lord.”
Abune, which means the last of the abandoned, is only six weeks old and she stole Allen’s heart.
Once again the community was so good to Allen. They helped with bedding, blankets, bowls and puppy food.
“The ball of fur is my companion and my friend,” he said.
Allen plans to take Abune for her monthly vaccinations and also to have her sterilised.
Life on the streets
“It is not easy living on the streets. It is real bad out there.”
Allen said he is always on the move, especially between temporary shelters. There are a lot of dangers living on the streets.“I was in prison for six years and was charged with armed robbery and assault with the intent of grievous bodily harm. I made bad choices in my life but I am busy fixing them before I can go back to my family.”
Another chance
Allen said he is making the best of the now and he will continue to serve God and do what He asks.
“Selling the plants is like my little white stone in life and I hope that I inspire others to get back up and try again.”
