HEY NOW! My name is Mark and I came to the Open Door Mission one year ago. I lost my self-respect, my family, my child, and my car. I was tired of getting high, shoplifting, and asking for money. I hurt my mother and father to the point that they would not talk to me. With all of my options used up, I came to the Open Door mission and joined the New Life Recovery Program.
For the first time in my life, it was up to me and I wanted to change my life. I had never opened up the Bible or even had Jesus in my life. As time went on, I learned more and more about His grace and mercy. All I had to do was accept the free gift that was always there. At the Mission, I learned to pray and read the Bible and build a fellowship with my brothers that are true, meaningful, and real. Also, through the testimony of others, I learned of their struggles as they learned of mine. The Mission kept me busy working and learning about Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
As time went on, God began to renew my heart and mind. I was baptized on April 8, 2019 at City Light in Midtown. I became a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come. I pray everyday for his guidance and truly believe I cannot do this alone. Blessings come every day in Christ Jesus and I believe that He has a plan for me.
I plan on staying here at Open Door Mission and joining the Urban Ministry Program and also get a job. I believe I need the structure and continued sober living environment. I will succeed in this life and will be prepared for life everlasting. Thank you to Jesus and Open Door Mission for saving my life.
I will sign off with my favorite bible verse which is Matthew 5:9. “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
I would like to dedicate this day to my daughter Jenna, who was sadly killed in a car crash 4 years ago.
Mark
New Life Recovery Program Graduate