My name is Joe. In the past I was addicted, unhappy, a liar and just plain miserable.

I’m deeply grateful to Judge Breen, who gave me the choice between 2-6 years in prison for possession or coming to the Mission. But even though I was court-ordered to come here, down deep I wanted change in my life.

For 17 years I was addicted to drugs. I had a relationship with God when I was young, but after being placed in a group home I started fending for myself. In the process, I became angry with God.

That anger, in the end, served no good purpose.

The worst days of my drug-infected life were when I did an ounce of dope, lost $25,000 in slots at a casino, and took out a second mortgage on my home. It’s terrible what a person will do when on drugs…or looking to find money to buy drugs.

But then I was directed to the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission. Here I’m finding love and acceptance. I’ve never had much self-esteem. I lived from day to day without any purpose or direction. I didn’t
care if I lived or died. But today I have a place I can call home. It makes my heart warm just to say
that – and to know it’s true. I’ve never had a family like this. I now know God doesn’t care about my past.

In His sight I am clean. Forgiven. Set free.

I’m even beginning to renew my relationship with my sister. I was never able to make amends with my mother, something I regret. I’m thankful to God, the Mission staff, my friends here and to you who donate your time and money.

God bless you!