As soon as Pedro Badillo walks through those rusty double doors, he wanted to leave. He could already hear the silent laughter and jokes targeted toward him, but being bullied was the least of his worries right now. He was getting emotional and forced the tears back.

Throughout Pedro’s life, he has been treated as if he were gay. Pedro wasn’t like the rest of the boys at his school who enjoyed sports and the outdoors. Pedro found himself questioning why he couldn’t be more masculine than all the other guys. It wasn’t easy being labeled something you weren’t. But he wouldn’t change a thing.

“Growing up, being bullied was a burden that I carried at school and brought home,” Pedro said. “I felt like I had to conform my personality to something that I wasn’t. I am heterosexual, but not being into sports or not hanging with the rest of the guys can label you for life.”

As Pedro entered into intermediate school, the bullying worsened, and he found it harder to speak to his biological parents. He had never been close to them considering they didn’t raise him, but he felt himself drifting away.

“God has just been so graceful in my life regardless of how I have treated and resented my adoptive parents,” Pedro said. “They are one of the reasons of why I wake up.”

Growing up, Pedro lived with his aunt and uncle, whom he calls mom and dad, but every now and then he went to take a painful visit to his biological mother’s home.

At 12 years old, Pedro walked cautiously into his biological mother’s house. Instantly, the smell of mildew and cigarettes filled his nostrils. He didn’t want to be there.

“I felt uncomfortable. It wasn’t like my adoptive parent’s home where nothing but love was present,” Pedro said. “The atmosphere was off. Being at my biological mother’s house taught me to appreciate my aunt and uncle. They gave up so many things for me.”

Pedro’s adoptive parents always encourage him to live life to the fullest, and the greatest treasure he has found has been his relationship with God.

“Jesus has been a part of my identity,” Pedro said. “It wasn’t until three months ago when it actually all became clear to me that my worship life is vital.”

In the middle of worship service, he had no plans whatsoever for his life to be changed, but it did. He never realized how neglected he’d been by his biological parents, how severe his insecurities were from the bullying and how much he resented both the bullying and his biological parents. The only way to rid of it all, was by crying out to God.

“At that moment,” Pedro said. “My want for Jesus turned into a need.”

In everything, Pedro continues to seek God regardless of the hate. He still pushes through the hard times, but his intimacy with Christ is a consistent reminder of his joy.

“Whenever I go anywhere, I am bold with my testimony,” Pedro said. “People may laugh. But it’s my story, and I’ve learned to love it.”