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David is celebrating Easter with JOY – because of you!
Thank you for showing him that new life is possible.

As a child, David had a difficult relationship with his father. “He was gruff and verbally abusive, and he seemed to always be frustrated with me,” David recalls.

The pain of that relationship, combined with boredom and peer pressure, led David to distract himself with substances. “I saw my friends having a good time and hi thought ‘I just want to feel good, too.’” This began a struggle with addiction that lasted nine years.

As his life got worse and worse, he stopped believing a new beginning was possible. “I was dealing with addiction, depression and divorce. I was diagnosed with diabetes, which cost me my career.”

It took realizing he was at rock bottom to make him summon the courage to seek help at Long Beach Rescue Mission. “I kept getting worse. I wasn’t taking care of myself… It was all too much. But I knew the Mission was a safe place.”

“I’m letting God lead and show me the way.” 

At the Mission, David began to rebuild his life. He received treatment for his diabetes, mental health resources and work therapy in the Mission community. “I work at the front desk as a receptionist, and I like to help in the kitchen… It lets me interact with the guests and staff here.”

In our New Life Program, he is working to overcome addiction and strengthen his faith. “My day starts and ends with prayer and devotion, and I talk to God throughout the day.”

Inspired to help others in need, David plans to go back to school for a career in drug and alcohol recovery counseling. “I want to give back. I want to show people that they can make it through… because I’ve done it.”

Thank you for sharing God’s love with David this Easter. His life has been renewed through the joy and hope of the Gospel! “Since coming to the Mission, I know that God has a purpose for me, and I have a purpose for myself. I have hope, which is something I didn’t have for a long time.”

To read the rest of this issue of Rescue Review, click here.