"Ask for help. Don't do it on your own."

Robert was born to very young parents who were hardly present in his life, and at the age of 3, they left his life entirely. Unfortunately, he was sent to live with his grandparents, who were abusive and would beat him regularly with anything they could get their hands on.

Robert felt abandoned and hated by people who were supposed to be his "family," he became angry and resentful.

"I would play sports. I went into boxing to get some of the anger away."

But that didn't stop him from getting into a lifestyle that would haunt him and hurt him for decades.

As a teenager, he started using drugs and alcohol, stealing cars, and living on the streets. After his grandfather passed away, his grandmother wanted nothing to do with him; she called CPS to get him taken away from her. This caused him to run away to Mexico, and with the help of a friend, his getaway attempt was successful.

While in Mexico, he got a job collecting debts, and he eventually became involved in dangerous activities that led to cocaine use and later methamphetamines.

He was 18 when he returned to Tucson. Shortly after returning, he got married and had two daughters, but struggled to be a present father. His drug dealing and substance abuse created distance between him and his family.

His wife eventually left him, turning their children against him.

Robert was tired of his destructive lifestyle.

"I was mentally tired, you know, just wanting to get clean."

One random day, he saw a commercial advertising Gospel Rescue Mission and our mission to move people from "Homeless to Wholeness," and decided he needed to change. At GRM, he found structure, support, and a connection to God for the first time in his life. "It's been a blessing to have everything that he's done for me, you know, take away the cravings."

Robert is now focused on recovery and building a stable, productive life through the support and structure of the program.

And if there is one thing he would want anyone who is struggling to know is "Ask for help. Don't do it on your own."

To hear more stories like Robert's visit www.grmtucson.com

#scripturesunday This week, we will be talking about the death and resurrection of Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:21
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Jesus not only died a horrible death, but He became sin for us so that we could become His righteousness.

He took our filthy rags and gave us a robe of righteousness.
We didn’t deserve His love… but He loved us anyway.
We don’t deserve His goodness… but He is so good to us.

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells in you.

Jesus not only died but also took our punishment by taking on our sins.
He also gave us victory over death. He gave us victory now and forever when we trust in Him.
We have resurrection power living on the inside of us!
Rejoice! And tell someone what Jesus has done for you!

#gospelrescuemissiontucson #grm #GRM #centerofopportunity #gospelrescuemission #GRMTucson