Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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Troubled Youth finds God, Lifelong Work in Rescue Ministry
After nearly 20 years in rescue ministry, Michael Gotschall is still excited about his most recent milestone: celebrating his first year on staff at the mission. “The team, the culture—the mission is making a difference,” he said. “We’re all sold out for Jesus, and we really have the best interests of the program men at…
After a Tragic Death, John Looks for Help
John, 21, has been getting in trouble for most of his young life, but it wasn’t until his girlfriend died tragically last year that he started to envision his life differently. “She showed me God’s grace,” John said. “She showed me Christ-like love—love that I didn’t deserve and that I had always wanted.” John was…
Rich Explores A Growing Relationship With God
After graduating high school in Santa Maria, Rich and his girlfriend moved to the Central Valley, where he got a job welding in the oil fields. After a couple years, they married and had a daughter. “The marriage lasted 10 years,” Rich said. “I started drinking at the time—I’d have a beer or two and…
After Struggle With Gangs, Then Homelessness, Owen Finds Refuge
Owen’s excitement for his growing relationship with God and his heart for service is palpable. “I want to get in, do everything, help everyone,” Owen said with a laugh. “It’s because I love and appreciate what’s going on. I just have so much gratitude for what God’s done for me that I want to help…
Juan Searches Out—And Finds—A Strong Relationship With God
Juan grew up in a religious household, but in his teens, he started clashing with his family on what Christianity meant to him. “My family is religious, but they don’t know that Christianity is actually a relationship with God.” Juan had started attending a different church. “I could see God in other people. I had…
Eugene Leaves Drifter Lifestyle Behind, Looks To Establish Roots
As he nears his 50th birthday, Eugene reflects on his life spent wandering. “I was just drifting through this country like a tumbleweed,” he said. “I haven’t established any roots, which was cool because there was no responsibility. But I see there are downsides to that. I never established real long term relationships. Having friends,…
Putting Pride Aside And Asking For Help
After graduating from the mission’s Life Recovery Program and over a year of sobriety under his belt, it was hard for Robert to return after his relapse. “I always knew I could come back, but I didn’t want to,” he said. “It was my pride. Whenever God would convict me to call the mission, to…
Victor Graduates With Peace, Joy That He Never Thought He Would Find
Victor said he’s always gotten bored quickly and was often seeking excitement, thrill, and recklessness. So in school, when Victor started noticing drugs, he was intrigued. “Drugs were always everywhere if you were paying attention,” Victor said. “It’s more accessible than you think. Everyone was talking about it, and I was seeing a world I’d…
Jesse Quells His Anger Issues With A Focus On God, His Kids
Jesse grew up in a tough neighborhood in South Sacramento. His father was abusive, and he and his two brothers were often caught in the middle of a very volatile marriage. “There was always fighting, always chaos,” Jesse said. “There was never really a calm moment growing up.” When Jesse was 7, his father left.…
Looking Forward to a New Chapter After a Life Behind Bars
Kevin, 52, has spent the majority of his adult life incarcerated, starting with a five-year sentence when he was 18, to several two-to-three-year stints over the last 20 years. “I don’t have many trips left in me,” he says, with a heavy sigh. “I’m getting old.” Tiring of prison isn’t the only reason why Kevin…
Andrew Is Letting God Lead The Way Now
Andrew has been getting in trouble since he was a kid, but he doesn’t want anyone blaming his family. “I came from a really good family. My aunts and uncles were all close, and we’d go to grandma’s on Sundays for dinner. My parents were always there for me. My dad was at every (sports)…
He Cried Out, and God Listened
Not more than a year ago, Cody was in prison, away from his kids, and on the outs with his girlfriend. He was, however, praying for himself and his family, and working on strengthening his relationship with God. Now, Cody is excelling in the Mission’s program, married, and just welcomed a baby girl into this…
