Donn is a recovering drug addict who now believes in Jesus Christ as his Savior. He first began using drugs when he was only 13. About two years ago, due to his drug use, he became homeless and found himself living on the streets.

He had lost everything, including his family and his own dignity. Struggling to quit using, he found himself going through a spiritual battle. He recounts, “I thought the drugs were making me crazy - things were happening that made no sense.” Following his arrest in May of 2022, he picked up a Bible for the first time. He begged the court to put him in a program, but the Hope for Men program had a four-month waiting list. He was released and went back to the streets where, surrounded by drugs, he began using again.

One day he heard a voice saying, “Get up, get your stuff and go.” He didn’t know it at the time, but later realized the Holy Spirit was calling him. Listening to this voice, he decided to get up, pack his things and go. He thought all hope was gone, but the voice kept saying to him, “just keep going.” So he did. He

encountered a man who could see the pain and desperation on his face. The man asked if he could pray with him. Donn had never prayed before. As they prayed, Donn received a phone call. The man told him to answer it because it might be the call he was waiting for. It was his mother telling him that he had been accepted into the Hope for Men program and that she would take him there in the morning.

Since arriving at the Mission, God has done miracles in his life. He has been clean, sober and relationships with his family are being restored. After completing the Hope for Men program, Donn began working for the Rescue Mission at the new Sobering Center. He is eager to begin the CCAPP program and work towards becoming a Drug and Alcohol counselor. Donn exclaims, “By the grace of God, I was called to the right path. I have been so blessed! Thank you Jesus and the Merced Rescue Mission.”