Portraits of Hope
Why do we share stories?
Portraits of Hope is a way these stories can be heard and
we can be reminded that restoration is possible, and lives
and families can be healed.
Fabian’s Story
At 13, Fabian wanted badly to be grown up. So, when he saw the adults laughing and drinking at gatherings, he thought that must be what it was all about.
Jay’s Story
Jay is grateful & blessed this Thanksgiving because of your support
You’ve given him hope and new life this holiday!
When Jay was just a boy, his mother used to beat him without mercy. “She was sadistic. There were times I was beaten for hours. But what hurt more was when I ran away and she didn’t come looking for me.”
Jay wound up living on the streets, feeling unworthy of love, and began numbing his pain with drugs. Over the years, his addiction damaged his relationships with his children, landed him in trouble with the law and, finally, left him homeless. Then, one day, he awakened in a park and had a moment of clarity. “I said, ‘I can’t do this for one more day.’ And I got up and came straight to the Mission.”
He entered our Life Change Academy, where Bible studies, chapel services and Gospel-centered discipleship introduced him to the healing love of the Lord. “Now, I have more understanding of who God is and what it means to have a really close relationship with Him.”
Denise’s Story
Denise was abused as a child, but she never told anyone, never processed her pain or healed from the wound. When she grew up, she married an abusive man and the wound grew deeper. “I felt worthless, so I started numbing my pain with drugs.”
Eventually, her marriage fell apart, her children went to live with family and Denise found herself homeless, in a dark and lonely place. “Without my children, I felt like I was nothing,” she says.
It was then that she entered our Life Change Academy and the Lord turned her darkness into light! Through chapel services and Bible studies, Denise’s faith grew strong. “I was in my Bible every day and came to feel a connection with God. Now, I speak to Him constantly and feel Him all around.”
Thomas’s Story
Thomas grew up feeling like an outcast, wanting nothing more than to fit in, to feel like he belonged. “I figured that if I drank like everyone else, I’d be wanted and accepted,” he says. “I started drinking at 16 and I liked how it made me feel.”
After graduating from high school, Thomas joined the Navy and his drinking escalated. “By the time I left at 22, with an honorable discharge, I was drinking every day.”
Over time, his addiction destroyed his family and alienated his children. “I was alone and depressed and did anything I could to numb my pain. I was spiraling downward fast,” he says.
One day, he showed up to work still intoxicated from the night before and his boss sent him home. “I left with tears running down my face. I knew I needed help, but I couldn’t do it on my own. Thank God, my sister found the Mission.”
Thomas entered our Life Change Academy, where chapel services and Bible studies helped his faith to grow strong.
Rosemary’s Story
“One day, in trauma class, we were talking about forgiveness, something that I had not been able to do alone. At that moment, I realized that forgiveness is what was missing in my walk with God. I had not fully surrendered my suffering and went on to realize the process of forgiveness would bring a kind of peace that I was missing to help me go on with my life. I didn't know how to forgive. I didn't know forgiveness was a process and not an event, that I had to work through my emotional problems before I could truly forgive.
God has completely changed everything in my life. He has led me to peace, understanding and love like nothing else ever could or nothing else ever has. God knows me, every part of me, and loves me completely, just as he does everyone else. We are all his children. We just have to accept His love.
My outlook on life changed drastically as I’ve begun my walk with God. I have learned to trust, forgive, surrender, and most importantly, love myself. The love God has shown me humbled me in a way that only God could have done. I can genuinely say I love others as God loves me.”
Chris’ Story
“I came to Visalia Rescue Mission and joined the Life Change Academy. One of the most impactful things I experienced was the realization that I could come to God just as I was. It’s something that I’d heard several of my instructors say, and one day it just clicked. We don’t wait to have our lives together to come to God, He wants us just as we are. This changed my whole perspective about God and myself.”
Primavera’s Story
“The moment I began to rekindle an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ things started making sense to me. As I read the Bible, prayed consistently, and trusted in Him I got to know Him on a more personal level. As I got to know Him on a more personal level, I gained a greater understanding of what God’s plan for my life was. I released my grip on past trauma and let God into those places of my life. I began to see things in a whole new light; things started to shift and change in and around me.
My outlook on life is forever changed. I have a whole new purpose to want to grow and prosper. I am filled with hope, so much that I see complete restoration in my family and am able to have my loved ones back in my life. I am excited for a second chance at life with new beginnings.”
Mike’s Story
“Some time ago I entered the Life Change Academy, but did not stay for the entirety of the program, and there was a lot of shame and unforgiveness involved in how I felt about myself for that. When I returned I recognized some of the same faces. They welcomed me back with a smile, knowing this was a good place for me to be. Seeing their welcoming faces was a moment of realization for me that this was where I needed to be, and I made a commitment to God right then and there that I would stay for the entire duration of the program. It was time to let God do what I have needed to let Him do all along.. God never lets us go. He created us for Him, and He is jealous for our love and attention; walking away from that is never a good thing.
I have changed my outlook on life so much because of the program.. Finishing the program this time around really is a point of security for me. I feel confident that the path I am taking now will allow my other paths to occur or be healed as a result of my salvation.”
Moang’s Story
“Since being in the Life Change Academy, and being sober, my mind’s opened up a lot and so has my personality. I’ve seen and experienced the power of prayer. I started reading the Bible every day and God showed up. It was like He was teaching me how to read, and everything I read was Him. It changed me. I can truly say that I’m alive today because God loves me and He never gave up on me. He’s a real presence in my life.”
Zack’s Story
“I came to Visalia Rescue Mission and things were different this time around. I’d decided that no matter what I was going to do it without complaint. I had completely surrendered control of my life to God. I was going to let Him run the show. I feel so different now than I did a year ago, so changed, and I just don’t see how it’s possible. Only God.”