Joshua accepted Christ and was baptized in August. He is hoping to get his truck driving license after graduation.

Joshua recalled having an “unstable” childhood. After the deaths of both his grandparents in quick succession, Joshua, his mother, and two younger siblings found themselves living in their van and sleeping in motels.

At 6 years old, Joshua tried methamphetamines. By middle school, Joshua was regularly smoking meth, getting into fights, and skipping school. In high school, Joshua went to juvenile detention for truancy, eventually quitting school to work in the fields and sell drugs. This “rebellious behavior” would last for years.

“I was running around, getting high, doing nothing with my life. I was living under a bridge in a makeshift house. “One day I saw all these people at the park. It was the outreach program. I thought I would just get a plate of food and leave, but there were showers, so I stayed and ate while I waited my turn.

“There was a woman who was telling people about the program, asking if people wanted to join. Everyone was saying no. I think they knew they would have to follow rules, but when she asked me, I said yes. I was tired of living on the streets.

“She brought over Ryan (Ministry Outreach Resident), and he was telling me about the program, what it offers, that they help with housing, legal issues, jobs, but that it was a 10-month program. I would have to stay sober, listen to the rules. He said it was a Christian program. He asked if I was ready for that. I remember shouting, ‘Yeah, let’s do it!’”

The next day, Joshua entered the program with enthusiasm. “They checked me in and told me to go rest. I couldn’t believe it. They showed me how to make my bed and walked me through the expectations. I felt like I was walking on clouds. I couldn’t believe it was real.”

Four months into the program, Joshua reflects on his new relationship with God. “I was raised Catholic; I didn’t grow up among Christians, and the only ones I really knew were the ones who looked down on us. I wasn’t sure if that would be the case here, but it wasn’t. The people here are actually loving and understanding. I was not used to that.”

In August, Joshua was baptized. He’s excited about the personal transformation he’s experienced while being in the program. “A lot of my personal problems have been solved through Jesus Christ. He’s helping me learn to be the man that I was supposed to be. I’m healthier now, I work out, I’m (sober). I’m learning it’s all for Him. That it’s not about being selfish, it’s about being selfless.

“It’s acceptance; I feel accepted here.”

Upon graduation, Joshua wants to obtain his truck driving license. In the long-term, he’s thinking of working in ministry, with aspirations to one day be a pastor. He’s grateful to the Mission.