Growing up in the Ghetto
James grew up in the ghetto where there was a lot of drug activity, prostitution, violence, and poverty. It was a tough situation. With a lot of alcohol and drug use in his family, James started using around twelve or thirteen years of age, and it progressed from there.
“I knew that God existed, but I didn’t know about a relationship with God. I didn’t know anything about the Bible. I lost numerous jobs because of my addiction. It took me away from my wife, kids, and family members. I was living with my uncle and one step away from being homeless when I decided to get my life together.”
That’s when James came to Visalia Rescue Mission, and it was one of the most defining moments of his life.
From Strung Out to Child of God
“I remember asking, ‘How do I pray? What do I say? How do I talk to this God that I don’t even see?’ Someone told me, ‘Just talk to Him, talk to God like you would talk to me.’ I said, ‘It’s that simple?’ So, I began to pray and talk to God. The more I opened up and prayed I realized I had pain that went a lot deeper than I knew. I was able to walk out forgiveness and it allowed me to begin to heal.
I want to thank God and the Visalia Rescue Mission because they saved my life. I didn’t come here for the word of God, I came to get clean and sober, and in the midst of that process God found me. Before I came to the mission I was under the influence, strung out, and now I am a child of God.”
James is now on staff at the Mission in the shelter. His relationships with his three beautiful children and family have blossomed. They are happy for the change in his life.
“I want to keep believing in God, putting my trust in Jesus Christ; I want God to lead me.”
Find out more about homelessness and addiction in Kings & Tulare County.
Do you or someone you know need help overcoming homelessness and/or addiction? Reach out to us.