Services and Programs - Changing Lives

Moving Forward

While Overcoming the Past

"I was doing everything wrong out there— everything I shouldn't have been doing," says 43-year-old Bill Allen, a graduate of our New Life Discipleship Program who now volunteers at the Mission on a regular basis. "My life was really going downhill."

Bill struggled with alcohol abuse and it escalated when he went through a divorce. He became homeless but believes now it was the best thing that could have happened. "I came to the Mission just for something to eat and a place to stay overnight. But the Lord touched me and I thought, 'This is where I need to be.' From that point on, my life changed incredibly!"

Through compassionate counseling and practical education, we helped Bill overcome his addiction and transform the bad habits and destructive behaviors that had wrecked his life. But most importantly, Bill says, "When I came here I found the Lord and it was a blessing. He forgave me for everything I did and I moved forward with my life through the New Life Discipleship Program."

Bill graduated from our program last year and is working to put his past behind him.

"You have to deal with things in time—that's the hard challenge. A lot of people have forgiven me for what I did, but I did a lot of wrongs. So sometimes it takes a little longer for others to understand that I have changed my ways. I'm trying to regain their trust."

As Bill works to restore relationships with those who are important to him, he is also demonstrating his change of heart and new godly demeanor here at the Mission. A painter by trade, his work is slow this time of year so he volunteers in the Mission's kitchen or wherever he's called to serve. "The Mission gave me my life back," Bill says. "They helped me correct my wrongs and go right, and I'll give back to them as much as I can. If they need me, I'm here."

When Bill looks toward the future, he hopes to be a lot farther along in his walk with the Lord, have his children back in his life and have his painting business growing. "The Mission gave me a second chance and helped me find the Lord," Bill says. "The only thing I wish is that I would have done this 20 years ago. Then my whole life would have been different. But now I'm picking up the pieces and moving forward. I'm the happiest I've probably ever been!"

[Back]