New York City Relief

Robert was good at telling a barefaced lie looking as innocent as a Sunday school boy. That is, until he came to The Bus and was bluntly, but lovingly confronted for what he was–a con man.

Robert Gutierrez, a drug addict of 20 years, used his ability to lie convincingly to get money for cocaine. At times he was able to hold good jobs. He even managed to get a job in a Christian rehab program, counseling addicts–though still an addict himself. In spite of the charade, Robert knew he wasn't right with God.

Robert's life had diminished from being a military officer and a family man in the 70’s, to a pitiful state of lonely living on the streets, carrying all of his belongings in a plastic bag. He had been in jail for stealing and breaking into pay phones. He knew how to fish quarters from parking meters. By ‘96, he was tired of living on the streets, being chased by stray dogs and picked up by the police. His life was out of control and he didn't know how to change.

One day in the Bronx in 1996, he walked up to The Bus with a confident thought, “Another victim!” He ate his food and then went to The Bus counselor, Bill Hoffman, determined to con some money from him. “Bill somehow knew what was happening and said, ‘I know you are here to rip me off’,” Robert recalls. “It was very embarrassing.” This started a process of healing and change in his life. Even though Robert dreaded the meetings at The Bus, he always found himself coming to talk with Bill. “He taught me how to be honest,” Robert admits. “He knew what I was but never gave up on me.”

Robert discovered that his main problem was hatred. He had grown bitter and hard and he didn't trust people. His visits to The Bus began to expose his hardened heart and the truth was setting him free–helping him to get rid of the hatred.

Since his last contact with The Bus in 1998, Robert has worked as a landscaper and a hardware store assistant manager. He has been off drugs since '98. With God's help, he is building a new foundation–this time based on truth and honesty.

Written in 2000.