A few years ago, I started using drugs and alcohol in an effort to self-medicate. It soon became destructive, and my life became worse and worse. When I finally came to the end of my own best efforts to try and get clean and sober, I began to lose hope. I was isolated, sleeping in my car, and homeless. That day, I came into a local tent revival and got prayer at the altar. I received the forgiveness of Christ, got right with God, and was delivered at the same time. I invited God into my life, and I soon was directed to the Navigation Center. There I got connected with the men’s program at Merced Rescue Mission and transferred into a transitional home.

I started working a job immediately and worked until I could rent a room in a house. From there I continued straightening things out in my life. I am now in a nice, three bedroom - two bath apartment in a good area.

From the moment I was delivered, I have been praising God. I am actively involved in a local church and now help with the youth. I am so grateful and am happy to be free from addiction. I have been clean and sober for over a year now. I am grateful to be able to give back to my community and encourage other men, to help them know they are a major important factor in the family structure.

I thank God for both the Navigation Center and the Merced Rescue Mission. I am now a volunteer facilitator for the ACE Overcomers classes, part of the Hope for Men program curriculum. I am very honored to be able to be in a position to be able to encourage other men and contribute to the family structure and community.