My name is Erin Shonka and this is my testimony.
Growing up, I would daydream and think how great and exciting the world was going to be. It was the devils false vision, false dreams and false hope that eventually controlled me. I started to lose the morals that my Mother had taught me while growing up. That behavior led me to be very selfish, alone and empty. I had no purpose. That’s when I knew it was time to take a look at myself.
I was scared of commitment and change. But, looking into my daughter’s eyes outweighed that fear, this motivated me to want to do good. I wanted to change my life, be a great example for my girls and to show them the love that they deserve. I have been through several programs, but I had to dig deeper and that is when I found Christ. I started getting into my bible and read the book of Proverbs. I felt like there was so much sense, wisdom and guidelines to life that was so much more appetizing to me than anything else in my life. That’s when I started to feed my spirit (God given).
Today I am a single mom who has completed the New Life Recovery Program from start to finish and completed my GED. My girls are on the honor roll and it’s all because my heart is set to be obedient and do right, which in return, guides them to want to do their best. The promises of eternal life is a gift far greater than any person can give on this earth in the flesh. Now that I have my discernment in action, I will do my best every day for the Lord, myself, and my family.
Open Door Mission has saved my life and my family’s happiness. The Mission has taught me how to be a woman in Christ and they have provided the resources to gain my education. For that, I will be forever grateful. My goal is to further my education in the medical field and to start a career. I want to enjoy watching my kids grow up into successful young women and to thank God for it all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Erin Shonka
New Life Recovery Program Graduate