MANNY

I AM RESTORED

My name is Emmanuel Tales, and I was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I grew up with two siblings and was raised by my Christian immigrant parents. I am the middle child — often seen as the "black sheep" of the family — the one who took many risks and often walked outside the traditional norms of society.

The physical and emotional rollercoaster of my life has brought me to depths I never imagined. The tragic suicide of my older brother, along with my immersion in a street lifestyle, eventually led me down a dark path of substance abuse. Yet even in those darkest days, God never abandoned me.

It was in my brokenness that I heard His call — a call to return to my foundation, which is rooted in Christ. As Romans 5:20 reminds us, “But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” I found redemption through God’s power, mercy, and grace.

Spiritually, I am now closer to God than I have ever been. The Lord has set me on a path of self-awareness, self-discipline, and renewed thinking. As Romans 12:2 exhorts, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

I’ve been blessed with clarity about my calling and purpose. Financial literacy, spiritual maturity, and discipline are now pillars of wisdom that guide my life. As Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

These tools have empowered me to better understand myself and reach others in love and truth. My greatest passion is to serve — to be a vessel of healing and hope for my family, my community, and most importantly, in service to the Lord.

As Joshua declared in Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That is my commitment, and I press forward with faith, knowing that “He who began a good work in [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).