Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
The Merced County Rescue Mission was my saving grace from God. I had battled addiction since I was 17. I lost everything to my addiction; my kids and my relationship with my mother. I was beginning to lose my sanity. I spent 2016 to 2018 homeless and in and out of jail. While incarcerated, I began attending the Jail Ministry weekly Bible Study. That is where I first heard of the Hope for Women program operated by the Mission.
I was hesitant to submit an application in the beginning because I had tried other programs. I knew my addiction was going to kill me if I didn’t seek help. I was worried after I did put in my application because all my past attempts to get clean never lasted. I will always remember the day I was told that I had a bed at Hope for Women.
It was pouring down rain. I sat freezing in a carport crying. I had given up. I felt alone and worthless. I cried out to God, “I’m done. I have nothing left, Lord, please help me. Where do I go from here?” That’s when I received the call letting me know that there was a bed at the Hope for Women program.
I was scared and unsure when I entered the program, but through time and the curriculum, I felt something, a connection that I had never had before. For the first time, I had found faith and a true relationship with my Lord and Savior.
This is a relationship that is still growing stronger. The woman I am today is someone that both my kids and I can be proud of. I know my many accomplishments would not be possible without God and the Rescue Mission.
I have gone from not seeing my kids in a year to being around them almost daily. I had never worked a day in my entire life, and now I am fully employed. I obtained my G.E.D. and plan to continue my education. I would not change my life today for anything. All glory to God, and thanks to the staff and fellow participants at the Merced County Rescue Mission.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast more gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
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