Former Homeless Man Gains Popularity on YouTube and Tells Viewers to 'Keep Jesus in Your Heart'
YouTube sensation Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, best known for prank and comedy videos on the Internet, turned around the life of a homeless man who tells viewers to "keep Jesus in your heart," after he receives help from the artist, along with a new set of teeth.
Zdorovetskiy first met Martin in July when he decided he wanted to "make a homeless man's day."
According to a video uploaded on July 29, Zdorovetskiy gave Martin a shower and a haircut, bought him new clothes, a steak dinner and two nights in a hotel. During that first encounter, however, Martin expressed his deepest desire to fix his teeth.
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On Aug. 14, Zdorovetskiy returned to Martin's native Florida to make his dream come true.
After a short check-up, Martin went into surgery where his remaining teeth were removed. On the day of the surgery, Martin cried and said he couldn't sleep. He compared the night before his tooth surgery to the night before he received a mini bike as a little kid, it was a dream come true.
After a five-week wait, Martin's mouth had healed and his new teeth were ready. Zdorovetskiy flew from Los Angeles to Florida to film the event.
"I just can't believe that I'm here right now through the grace of God," Martin told to the dentist who fixed his teeth for free, explaining that he couldn't sleep the night before because he was excited about getting his smile back.
"I waited 20 years, thank you so much everybody!" Martin exclaimed, smiling and showing YouTube viewers his new teeth.
The first video has skyrocketed to nearly 6 million views on YouTube, propelling the homeless man to fame. This newfound notoriety has also helped Martin become more successful at begging, he said, going from receiving $20 a day from passers by to well over $100 a day.
After the dentures were installed, Zdorovetskiy asked Martin his thoughts on the entire "homeless makeover experience." It was there that Martin spoke about wanting to change lives, keeping Jesus in your heart, and having faith that all your weaknesses can be overcome.
In a video uploaded to YouTube on Sunday, Martin shared his testimony by saying, "The main thing is wanting to change a life, keep Jesus in your heart, and have the faith that you will be able to overcome all your weaknesses."
According to his video commentary, Martin also found a job and has moved back in with his wife. And said he wants his story to give hope and purpose to other people who are struggling in life. He also thanked YouTube viewers for his new job, his new life with his wife and his new teeth.
"Know that there's hope out there for every weak situation everywhere," he added.
"Next time you see me," Martin promised, "I'll own my own business, have my license, drive a car again and have all the good things in the world."
