My name is Orialis. I grew up with parents who were addicts and were in and out of jail. I was placed in foster homes, a hospital, and an orphanage from ages 7 to 14. For a short time I returned to my mother until she was incarcerated again. She left an illegitimate business which I continued – making enough so I could stay in motel rooms or apartments.
When I was 17, a social worker helped me get my GED with a hardship waiver and enlist in the military. The army was nice, orderly, and I liked the camaraderie, but I had to leave unexpectedly just before I went to Germany. My mother’s parental rights had not been terminated, and once out of jail she wanted me back. I think she hoped to take her little boy and put him in her pocket, but I was an overgrown boy, disappointed and angry.
Before long, I was in prison for drug possession – and while in prison both of my parents and one of my brothers died. When I was released a sponsor took me in and I cared for him until he died of cancer. Feeling lost, my addictions took off. I made one poor choice after another –even living outside and homeless for months at a time.
Finally, people who cared about me told me it would be a good idea for me to join the New Life Program at the Capital City Rescue Mission. I did not want to come. I denied I had an addiction problem. But I came. God was moving me.
At the Rescue Mission I began to realize that I had been looking at other people, wanting to change them or help them, but God wanted me to look at myself. I needed to admit I was a sinner. I had wrong perceptions, trust issues, bad ideas, and addictions. I needed to face the lies and humble myself at the feet of Jesus. I had been acting like my own savior, but now I began to grasp that Jesus wanted me to turn to Him as Lord and Savior.
After I graduated from the New Life Program, I wanted to apply what I had been learning. Today, I am on staff as a resident assistant. Matthew 7 is becoming clear to me.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock…but everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Matthew 7:24 & 26
At the Rescue Mission I have begun to really live. Thank you for supporting the Mission! You have helped me build on a new foundation – Jesus Christ.