“The Mission is giving me the tools I need so when I get out into the real world, I’ll know exactly what to do when I face a big giant in my life.”
Imagine waking up frightened, cold and hungry – fleeing an abusive relationship and not knowing where your next meal will come from. This was the reality for Vanessa before she came to the Mission and found the tools to overcome her challenges.
Before coming to the Mission, Vanessa never knew what it was like to be loved and wanted.
Her parents abandoned her at the hospital to be raised by her grandmother. But Vanessa was made to feel she was a burden, and that the older woman only cared for her out of a sense of obligation.
Sadly, as she grew older, Vanessa’s lack of self-worth became a void she tried to fill with substances. Although she held a deep passion for the Gospel, she lacked the tools to put God’s Word to work in her life. Earthly temptations led her into an abusive relationship and eventually to homelessness. She felt she was losing a spiritual battle.
“I ended up going house to house of family members – then from shelter to shelter. I just couldn’t get myself together.”
The turning point came when Vanessa experienced a medical emergency. After being released from the ICU, her body was healing physically, but her soul still needed revival. With nowhere to go, the medical staff brought her to the Mission.
The comforts we often take for granted, like clean sheets, a warm blanket and wholesome food made Vanessa feel safe – and valued for perhaps the very first time. Although she’d stayed in shelters before, Vanessa could tell our holistic approach to life transformation was different.
In our LifeBuilders Program, Vanessa learned to put on the full armor of God, as the Bible teaches in Ephesians 6.
She donned the belt of truth with guidance from staff and mentors who encouraged her to accept God’s forgiveness, grace and love. The breastplate of righteousness was formed through fellowship with other Christians who modeled dedication and accountability.
Life-skills and workforce development classes provided shoes of the gospel, which prepared her to walk with confidence, wherever the Lord leads.
The shield of faith was added as she learned to rely on her heavenly Father, and the helmet of salvation strengthened her faith and empowered her to recognize and resist earthly temptations.
Finally, the sword of the spirit – God’s Word – which protects us, brings us hope and provides a foundation for a faith-driven life, was sharpened through Bible study, worship and spiritual counseling.
“The Mission has helped me to know that I am wonderfully and fearfully made and that God accepts me for who I am.”
As she learns and grows, Vanessa is also giving back to the Mission by working at the front desk and lobby. She strives to create a clean, comforting and welcoming environment for everyone who enters.
With renewed confidence and self-worth, Vanessa is looking forward to being a better woman of God and Christian role model for her eight grandchildren. She plans to continue Bible classes, nurture her relationship with the Lord and share her story with others who also need help winning their spiritual battles.
