My name is Willie. Since I was 12 or 13 years old I struggled with addiction. Both of my parents were alcoholics. My mother died of alcoholism, and my dad became so depressed he committed suicide. I became a heroin addict, a cocaine addict and an alcoholic. I was married for a time, but my wife left with my son and another man. I was broken-hearted and returned to drugs.
Eventually, I was caught drug dealing and put in jail.
I had no one who trusted me or wanted me around – unless it was someone who hunted me down for money or drugs.
God spoke to my heart over and over, in jail, telling me to do something. If I didn’t I just knew that death was next. I came to the Capital City Rescue Mission because I knew I needed God in my life. The whole place impressed me, but especially the men on staff who had come through the program themselves. I wanted what they had.
My faith and relationship with Christ has been renewed here. I am learning to pray and read God’s Word. I have no desire to go back to the people and places from the past. God has given me a total transformation – a new life.
The dark cloud of depression from remorse, anger and guilt is gone. I can actually pray for those who hurt me, rather than want to hurt them. That is God at work in me. God is my Father and I am learning to trust him.
Today, I fit in somewhere. I am on staff at the Rescue Mission as a desk man and resident assistant. I want to give what was freely given to me… hope and peace. I can relate to the guys coming off the street, because I was in their place not too long ago.
Am I grateful for this place? Absolutely! It has been a God-send for me. Thank you for making it possible!