“All glory to God.”
My childhood was difficult from the very start. I was born prematurely, weighing only five pounds, and because of that, my mother initially didn’t want me. She and my father were together for nineteen years, but their relationship was filled with every kind of abuse—physical, verbal, emotional, controlling, and even financial. That was the environment I grew up in.
By the time I reached my senior year of high school in 1986, the abuse had started to turn toward me as well. That year, my father physically abused me, and it left a mark on me that I carried for a long time.
Throughout my life, I’ve faced many challenges. I was in a relationship with my ex-boyfriend for two and a half years, and during that time, he was extremely controlling. I went through a lot of verbal abuse. He struggled with insecurity and jealousy, and it affected me deeply.
During that season, I was working at Burger King, just trying to make ends meet. Even in the middle of everything, I held on to my strong faith in God. I was active in my church and loved being involved. I even served Youth Sunday, and I genuinely enjoyed inspiring and encouraging the young people there. For a while, it felt like things were going well.
But then everything changed. Things around me began to fall apart, and it took a huge toll on me. I lost my home, my church family, and eventually I had to let go of my job too.
After that, I went to the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia. My case manager, along with the two ladies who counseled me, did everything they could to support me. All the staff were kind and gave me a list of available resources. They even helped me get a room at a hotel in Macon, so I would at least have a place to stay.
But living in a hotel was hard. I struggled to manage everything on my own, and deep down I knew I needed more help and a real change in my life. That’s when my case manager told me about the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia.
I have no doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ brought me to the Rescue Mission. In that season of my life, I was crying out and truly seeking Him. I knew I couldn’t keep living the way I was living. It felt like a heavy shackle around me. I was fighting and surviving through so much hurt and pain, and I was exhausted.
Deep down, I knew it was time to let go and let God take control of my life. So, I started fasting and praying, really pressing into Him. Even in my brokenness, I was determined not to give up on myself.
When I first arrived at the Rescue Mission, I felt God’s presence the moment I passed through the gates. In my first few days here, I had the blessing of meeting my dear friend, Tracie Brown. It meant so much to me to read her story and hear her testimony. Her strength and faith encouraged me.
The Mission itself felt huge at first, almost like stepping into a paradise. It reminded me of a Christian,
Bible-based school—a place full of learning, growth, and God’s love. It truly is a wonderful place to be. If you let it, it will transform you in ways you never imagined.
One of the most meaningful parts of my experience so far has been the restoration of my relationship with my sister. For a long time, it felt like we were in a spiritual war with each other. time, it felt like we were in a spiritual war with each other. We finally managed to have an open and honest discussion. In that moment, we were able to truly forgive each other. It was so beautiful.
We prayed together, along with some of the other women in my room, and God’s presence filled that space. Afterward, my sister and I embraced in a long hug. It was a moment I will never forget.
The support I have felt at the Mission has been incredible. From the beginning, everyone encouraged me not to leave and told me they wanted me to stay. They constantly reminded me that I am a blessing and a light here, and that they truly love me.
They’ve encouraged me every step of the way. They have prayed with me, poured into me, and made me feel safe, comfortable, and welcomed. I honestly feel like this is home. I want to complete this program knowing that I have the support and love of Jesus Christ and my sisters beside me.
During my time here, I’ve learned that if you go to your sisters in love, they will always be there for you. My relationships with the women here have grown stronger every single day. Sometimes during our women’s morning meetings, I get to worship with my sisters in Christ. I often sing, play the guitar, read Scripture, and pray with everyone. I absolutely love all of my sisters and the staff at the Rescue Mission. They have become such an important part of my life.
Since coming to the Mission, my life has changed for the better. I have clothes on my back, food and snacks to eat, a roof over my head, a good night’s sleep, and good people around me. I’ve also been working on my physical health by walking around the soccer field and doing my work therapy at the Barn Center.
I am forever grateful to the Mission for sharing the love of Jesus Christ with me. This place will truly transform you. I have seen miracles happen here. I have witnessed breakthroughs and seen God’s hand at work. This place will change your life for the better. It has been such a blessing to finally receive the help I have been praying for.
My desire has always been to be free from the hurt and pain I’ve carried throughout my life, and being here has helped me find that freedom. The support classes and work therapy have strengthened me so much. I’ve really enjoyed attending Celebrate Recovery and going to church with my sisters in Christ.
Looking ahead, I hope to one day have a good place to live, a steady job, a church home, and a family of my own. I wholeheartedly believe that the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia has given me opportunities I never expected and has set me up for success.
All glory be to God.
Click here to download the January 2026 issue of The Mission Bell.