In November of 2012, I almost lost my apartment. 

Here’s the story of how I kept it.

I had only lived there a year, but it was quite comfortable. Unfortunately I was having a hard time paying rent. I had been searching for some type of employment—anything!—for the past few months. It was hard to find something that I could do. I tried to borrow money from family and friends but it seemed everyone was in the same position. Still I prayed for some help.

The court date finally came.

“Are you going to pay?” asked the judge.

“I don’t have it,” I said. I was completely broke.

The gavel slammed, and she told me I had ten days before I would be evicted. I spent the rest of the day trying to keep my spirits up and praying. My cousin saw me and asked if I wanted to go with her to the internet cafe, where people play the sweepstakes. I needed something to cheer me up, so I went with her. On the way in, my sister-in-law came out with a huge smile. She had won some money and pressed a $20 bill into my hand.

I walked up to the register and handed the clerk my ID and the $20. He took it but then I asked for it back so I could pray over it, since it was all I had. I then sat down at the machine and flipped through the games to find the one I liked.

Five minutes into the game, the screen went black. I had won $3,200! I made sure to give everyone there some of the money, to share the blessing. Then I went off to tell my sister-in-law who had given me the $20. She was at another internet cafe. I decided to play there as well—two minutes later the screen went blue I had won again, this time $1,200!

I was so happy. My prayers were being answered. I blessed everyone in the building by sharing more of my winnings.

On my way out the door, I bumped into a friend who told me I should try another place that had a higher jackpot. How could I say no? At the third place, I put $40 on and sat down and bowed my head and prayed. After picking the game, I clicked the mouse a couple times and I won $1,600! I jumped up and started crying. I was in shock.

There I was, just a week before I was to be evicted. Now I had enough money to pay my rent and bills for six months.

I also paid by daughter’s rent and bills and bought myself a car.