Congratulations on your new job, Johnny!

This economy has been rough for us all, but at GRM, we have a program that can help. Johnny struggled with his mobile mechanic business, but we are helping him get a new start. He’s in our employment program, just secured a new job, and is back on the road to success!

Chris was a 'runner.' Running away from God, running away from his problems and toward his addictions, and then standing still long enough to look toward God and begin running toward Him only to stumble and turn in a new direction. This cycle lasted most of his life... until he went through the recovery program at Gospel Rescue Mission. This #TestimonyTuesday, Chris shares his journey.

"I had a great childhood," Chris remembers, "I've always known about God." His mother was a Sunday school teacher, and he had a supportive family with his mom and stepdad. He loved his stepbrothers and followed them everywhere, but they introduced Chris to the drug world.

At ten years old, Chris was rolling joints for his stepbrother. The first time he tried cocaine was in high school, then he tried acid and ecstasy. He got clean then joined the Army... but was discharged when he got caught smoking pot. At 23, Chris caught a couple of felonies. But while in jail, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. That was the first time Chris felt a relationship with Jesus. And, when he got out, he walked with God for many years.

Chris got married and had a son, but soon started using again. Drugs ruined their marriage. Drugs, particularly meth, would later play a big part in destroying his second marriage too. Chris ran back to his drug habit and the streets of Tucson. He was "flying a sign," asking for money when he was arrested for warrants and taken to jail. This time God got a hold of his heart and wouldn’t let go.

With little hope of not going to prison, Chris prayed, "You can use me in prison. I'm not even going to ask that you get me out of this." And two months later, the judge asked him where he would like to live while on probation. Chris insisted on GRM's recovery program, and he has now been clean for over eight months!

Chris is attending Bible college, getting his RSS certificate to help people in similar situations. He even received a fantastic job offer, but he said, "I'm just walking the steps directly in front of me... I'm going to stay in His will!"

"I'm running into my calling instead of running from my calling."