My name is Pat.

I came to Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission because I needed help with my alcohol and drug addiction. Methamphetamines were my downfall. I used crank (a white powder which can be eaten or mixed with liquid and drunk) and cocaine since I was 18. Drug use and abuse were my downfall.

I’m a big guy and I love football. I was 230 pounds in high school and I had every intention of going pro. To meet my athletic objectives I started early on steroids. I got hooked up with a doctor who gave me three cycles of steroids for three months. I could bench 450 pounds, and I thought I was doing pretty well. But there were others who could do better…so I figured I also had to do better. I did steroids to keep up.

To make a long story short, I ended up with nine knee surgeries, addictions that were ruining my life and time in prison for the possession of a stolen vehicle.

Being in prison was my wake up call.

While behind bars, I was still living large. Lots of people wanted to fight me. But if they did, they’d
pay for it. One of my jobs in prison was breaking wild mustangs. I guess I was the prison horse
whisperer. It taught me a lot about horses and a lot about myself.

One day I saw the film The Passion of the Christ. That did it for me. What I saw in that movie
brought me to Jesus. I could not believe how my Lord could forgive people for what they were doing to him. When the film was over I said to myself I need to follow that guy. And I did…right to the doors of Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission.

So here I am. From being a mean, angry, out-of-control giant to becoming a gentle giant. From
hating others, to having compassion and love for all who come into my shadow. God bless you for making this Mission possible through your donations and your support.

You’ve given this big guy one more chance. Thank you.