Testimonies

Testimonies

Jacob was raised by an elderly relative because his parents, who battled addiction, were unable to care for him. Although she provided for his daily essentials, the older woman simply couldn’t offer the guidance and direction a young boy needs.

At 17, he struck out on his own… picked up self destructive habits… and often found himself homeless. “I hitchhiked from place to place and struggled to hold jobs,” he says. After years of an unstable existence, “I thought maybe I was meant to be on the streets my whole life.” But God had another plan in store.

Eventually Jacob was arrested and sent to jail. When released, he felt God calling him to Union Gospel Mission. In the care of our loving and compassionate counselors, he learned to deal with the issues that had prevented him from developing a purpose-filled life. Most importantly, he began to build a relationship with the Lord.

“I knew God existed, but I was trying to live within my own power,” he says. “Now when I have a problem, I take a step back and try to see it from His eyes.”

After graduation he stayed on to work at the Mission and he now serves as the men’s director, helping others learn of God’s love and Word and finally realizing and embracing the Lord’s plan for his life. “I always knew I wanted to work with the homeless since my time on the streets,” he says. “I came from that life… I understand how it works.”

It’s going to be a Christmas filled with joy for Jacob – and he’s grateful to you for this wonderful gift of a new beginning. “The best part about it is that I’m open to new things… new responsibilities… new focus in my life. I now have a purpose.”