November 2017

"My name is Jess, I'm 57 years old and was born in San Jose, CA where I grew up. My parents were hard working and made sure we had food and clothes. They were strict because they loved us and wanted the best for us. As I was growing up, I always felt lonely and alone, as though something was missing in my life. We went to church every Sunday and I knew there was a God but didn't pay much attention to him. At 12 years old I started to drink and cut classes - I was doing what I wanted to do. As the years went on, I also began doing drugs. I started feeling more alone. At 16 years old, I had a son. I dropped out of high school to get a job. All together I had four kids, and the more money I made, the more drugs I bought. I didn't care about anyone or who I was hurting. I only cared about drugs and alcohol. My family didn't want me around because I was always high. I had been in a Christian recovery home before in San Jose, but I still felt that loneliness and emptiness deep down - so I ran from God and was obedient to the devil again.

As years went on, my drug habit got worse, my health too. In 2016 I lost both my parents to cancer and my youngest daughter. I felt more alone and I didn't want to be in this world anymore. I tried to kill myself by swallowing crystal meth and nitroglycerin pills. After 40 years of doing drugs and being obedient to the devil, I had had enough! My niece contacted the Merced County Rescue Mission, they interviewed me and I was accepted. I am now four months clean, no longer depressed and no longer lonely, and my health has improved. By the grace of God I'm still alive and happier than ever. No more suicidal thoughts. I'm not only learning the Bible, but I'm getting to know God and loving my God, my Savior, all thanks to the Merced County Rescue Mission's New Life Transformation program. My life has just begun!"

-Jess