Survive to Live

Survive to Live is the shocking true story of Jonathan Orozco, a starry-eyed immigrant turned gang member whose defiant trajectory is transformed through a series of inexplicable miracles. 

Survive to Live poetically traces Jonathan’s childhood from Guatemala’s most treacherous slum, La Limonada, to his daring border-crossing into the land of his dreams. His roller-coaster life of harsh physical and emotional abuse, grinding poverty and despair is sporadically eased by the love of his saintly mother. Sharing a one room shack with seven family members, Jonathan’s hope of escape is sustained by a single pinpoint of light that beams through the tin roof onto his face.

Events take a surprising turn and Jonathan finds himself on an unexpected and unwanted journey northward with his unpredictable, explosive father. Dropped off by ‘coyotes’ in Los Angeles, teenaged Orozco experiences extreme culture shock. Strong of body but desolate in spirit, he seeks identity through gang life with the feared “Hollywood Bandits.” Disillusionment and crack cocaine blind Jonathan to the persistent heavenly warnings of death heading his way.

Only the prayers of his devoted mother stand between Orozco and the dark beyond, but are they enough to save him? 

A cautionary tale that knows no borders, Survive to Live inspires as God’s plan for Orozco’s destiny as a musician, worship leader, and passionate motivational speaker unfolds.