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.”

Meanwhile, the counsel, compassion and fellowship of our staff and other Academy students has been a balm for Jay’s wounded heart. “For the first time in my life, people check in just to see how I’m doing and want to see me succeed. That’s such a healing thing for me.”

“Now, I feel like I have worth.”

Jay’s relationship with his children has now been restored and his kids are thrilled about their father’s new life in Christ. “They’re loving and supportive of me and I’m fully there for them,” he says.

He’s gaining work skills and experience on our maintenance crew and joined our staff so he can share with others the healing love he found here at the Mission.

Jay’s heart is overflowing with gratitude this Thanksgiving because YOUR loving support gave him the confidence and support to rebuild his life. “I was broken, but through the love of Christ and the support of the Mission, I was able to get in touch with myself and find a fulfilling relationship with Jesus. I now have a whole new outlook on life.”

Jay’s story is featured in the Fall 2022 edition of Hope Now.