#TestimonyTuesday

Christina, a guest at our Women’s Recovery Center, is a survivor. A victim of unimaginable childhood abuse from an early age. The Las Vegas foster care system stepped in and took custody of her as a protective measure but, in Christina’s own words, “back then, they weren’t very good; there were just too many kids in the system.” While growing up in foster care, Christina frequently moved from one foster home to another, attending as many as 12 different elementary schools. Eventually, Christina was adopted by a good family. It was the first time in her life where she felt safe at night.

Although Christina was in a good family, she felt like nothing she did was good enough, so she left, running away at 15. Seeking after something. Love and acceptance. Safety. A sense of belonging and purpose. What she found, however, was marijuana, meth, and relationships that did not last. “In the last years of my addiction,” Christina explained, “when I hit rock bottom, I didn’t know what to do other than scream to God.” She found herself homeless, a consequence of her addictions, and would often visit churches while high, just seeking after God, believing in Him but not knowing how to get his attention.

And then, last year, her natural mother drove her to Gospel Rescue Mission. At first, Christina entered the workforce program but then realized that what she needed was recovery.

Adjusting to life at the Women’s Recovery Center was difficult for Christina, and not without its bumps, but what she found there was an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance. Yet, what made the most profound impact on Christina’s recovery was the relationship that she found with Jesus Christ; and realizing, for the first time, that He has always been there—walking right next to her through the most challenging times in her life. It is this love that transformed her life.

Today, Christina has been sober for almost a year, and every day, He continues to transform her, heal her, and guide her steps.

“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (ESV, Philippians 1:6).

For over 20 years, Landon dabbled with drugs but still maintained a job and kept a roof over his head until his addiction finally destroyed his life.

Here is his story this #TestimonyTuesday:

Landon started using drugs in high school when he had a back injury. He used over-the-counter pills and then graduated to OxyContin, Vicodin, and other opioid medications.

Having a home, job, and car made Landon believe everything was okay. He was a "functional addict." And then, one day, Landon came home to find a SWAT team waiting for him. They pulled him out of his car, taking him to jail. And, he lost everything in the short time he was held: his apartment, his job, and his car.

He was released after six days due to lack of evidence, but he suddenly found himself homeless, unemployed, and entirely without hope. Landon tried to find other work, but it was hard when he was couch surfing, sleeping in parks, or wherever else he could find a place to sleep at night. This struggle went on for almost two years. Finally, Landon broke down and called his parents. They had been talking to him about getting help for years, but he finally listened. His parents convinced him to come to Gospel Rescue Mission.

It was hard for Landon to get used to the constantly changing environment and the structure. But over the past 11 months, Landon has learned acceptance, transparency, and how to be a part of the community.

Landon says that his favorite part of being in the Recovery Program is the "collaborative brothers" and the close connection with them. He fully intends to keep in touch with them when he moves on to the next chapter of his life.

This Friday, Landon will be receiving his Recovery Completion Certificate, having completed the program! He will then enter Workforce Development, and he already has a job interview lined up for next week.

Even though he is still struggling with his faith in God, Landon is opening up more and more every day. He has been attending church every Sunday with his girlfriend, who has been very supportive of his recovery.

Therefore, let us pray for and encourage Landon in his faith, recovery, and future.

For 24 years, Pedro struggled with alcoholism. And, 17 years ago, his addictions only increased when he suffered a back injury. Pedro's doctors had prescribed opiate pain medication following a horrific car accident, but he continued to use, numbing more than just the physical injury.

Pedro hit rock bottom when he found himself at a detox center a year ago, with no memory of how he had arrived. While there, he met a man whom Pedro calls his "guardian angel" that told him about Gospel Rescue Mission. It took some convincing, as Pedro was apprehensive about going to a shelter, but he knew he needed help to change.

Pedro came to GRM after detox and was surprised by what he found. "This place feels like family! I have great support, and I'm growing closer to God! It's the best in the west! They even have pool tables and a gym!"

Pedro grew up with his father. He fondly remembers his dad teaching him how to be a man and about God. But when his father died, Pedro was sent reeling into alcoholism and pulled away from God. He didn't understand why God would take away his father. Yet, while in the Recovery Program, he grew in his relationships with his Christian brothers and finally started to heal. Yet, when his mother passed away five months ago, Pedro relapsed. But he was committed to changing his life. And, remembering a promise he had made to his mom—that she would never see him drunk again—he returned to the program. Honoring her memory.

Pedro has been clean and sober for over five months and is determined to finish his program and live a better life.

Let's encourage him to remain strong this #TestimonyTuesday