David is excited to come to his “dream job” at the Mission every day.

David is the men’s program case manager

For David Chang, faith was something he grew up with. Raised in the Bay Area after immigrating from Taiwan at the age of 6, he spent his youth immersed in church life—attending services, playing piano for worship, and checking all the “right boxes.” Yet, he now reflects on that season as one of going through the motions. “I believed in God,” he said, “but I didn’t understand what it meant to truly need His grace.”

That awakening came in college. Surrounded by students who were passionate about their faith, David experienced a transformation. He realized that he was a broken sinner in need of Jesus, and for the first time, he began to build a personal relationship with God. It was a slow, intentional growth, but college marked a pivotal shift in his life’s direction.

Though his faith deepened, his career aspirations remained steady—for a time. David initially pursued a path in psychology, later shifting toward human resources and strategic consulting. He landed a good job in HR, working under a supportive manager and feeling that he had achieved professional success. But something felt missing.

A 2015 sermon on idolatry revealed a deeper truth: David’s idol was comfort. He prayed a bold prayer: “God, remove my idol” and soon after, his life began to shift. David sensed God stirring something new in him—a call to serve the homeless. He spent the following year volunteering at a local shelter, seeking God’s direction through prayer and service.

Over time, God affirmed this calling through numerous signs and open doors, making it increasingly clear that David was being led to leave behind his HR career and pursue a new path of ministry. After a season of seminary, a job posting led him to Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast. At first, he thought it was too far from his LA home, but a series of divinely orchestrated moments, including a powerful connection with a resident whose family had rented him a trailer, confirmed that this was where he belonged.

David now serves as a case manager at the Mission, calling it his “dream job.” He counsels men in recovery, walks alongside them in their struggles, and sees lives transformed. One of the greatest miracles, he says, was realizing that he had become the answer to someone else’s prayer for guidance and support.

His story is a reminder that God’s plans are often unexpected, and that true fulfillment comes not from comfort, but from surrender. “I had everything I thought I wanted,” David said. “But when I let go and trusted God, I found what I truly needed.”