Thank you for giving men like David the gift to change their lives!
Be encouraged this Christmas season through God’s amazing grace.
“The Lord gave me the gift of family at the Mission.”
During childhood, David experienced trauma and neglect. “There was a complete lack of supervision,” he shares. As a teen, he was coerced into trying drugs and alcohol, and it became his normal form of entertainment.
At 17 years of age, David was thrown out of his house and had his first taste of homelessness. Out on his own with no support, he spiraled into addiction. David went on his own to continuing education and worked to support himself while he was in his addiction.
In addition to mental and physical health challenges, David also faced spiritual battles. “I was a believer, but I didn’t listen to the Lord.” In his darkest days, he was depressed, alone, and in terrible pain with severe kidney issues.
Bent and broken, he turned to God in prayer, “Please open a door and I promise to go through it.”
“Coming to the Mission was a miracle!”
David walked through the chapel doors of UGM in 2001 and knew it was God who brought him there. He joined the Men’s New Life Program and his life took a positive turn. He was still sick and weak, but day by day he got better and stronger. Through mentorship and biblical counseling, he grew in his knowledge of God’s Word and closer to Christ.
David found that prioritizing his relationship with Jesus and helping others significantly impacted his recovery and sobriety.
These days, David works as the Maintenance Supervisor. “I take care of the little things, which always lead to bigger things,” he says with a chuckle. “The Lord gave me these gifts, and I’m so grateful to be able to share them.” He’s served at the Mission for over 20 years.
This Christmas, men like David are experiencing the joy this season has to offer – because YOU believed in the power of a fresh start and the promise of God’s unending love. “I’m so thankful for the family I found at the Union Gospel Mission!”
To read the full issue of Saving Grace, click to download.
