Edward’s Success Story

I’ve struggled with drug addiction my whole life—since before I was a teenager—but it wasn’t until shortly after my father passed away a decade ago that I became homeless, living on the streets.

Then, in God’s perfect timing, my life changed. After more than 10 years on the streets, I ran into a friend last June. He told me he was about to enter the Rescue Mission’s New Life Program as part of his court-ordered release from jail. I told him that when he started the program, I would join as well. I was exhausted from the streets and the drug life and needed a change.

It was incredible timing. One of the first steps in the New Life Program is a recommendation to get a physical and if need be, a mental health evaluation at the Fourth Street Clinic, a free healthcare center for the homeless located on the same block as the Mission. I went in for my evaluation and they took a blood sample for routine tests.

The next evening at 9 p.m., the clinic frantically called, urging me to go to the emergency room immediately. One of my blood test results showed a critical issue: the measurement was supposed to be between 14 and 16, but mine was only 3.2.

I was hospitalized for four days. Doctors gave me five units of new blood, iron treatments, and ran cancer screening tests—which thankfully all came back negative. By the time I was discharged, my blood levels were back to normal, and the doctors couldn’t determine the original cause of my low numbers.

I truly believe God brought me to the Rescue Mission so I would get that blood test, land in the hospital, and ultimately receive the life-saving care I needed.

When I returned to the Mission, I was physically healthier, but I knew I also needed to focus on my spiritual and emotional well-being. I started doing work therapy in the Mission’s kitchen, washing dishes for breakfast and lunch. I’ve never been a morning person, so the job forced me to adjust my routine—helping me get used to the structure of working and find joy and purpose in serving God and others.

As I stabilized, I participated in one-on-one education with the Mission’s staff, attended Bible studies, and joined nightly Chapel. The Mission’s staff was great and answered any question I had about the Bible and Jesus. My relationship with God deepened, and I was able to stay sober. I began praying several times a day, turning to God for strength. I started attending Adventure Church in Draper and joined their weekly recovery class. I found a welcoming community there, and they even send a van to the Mission to bring me to church services on Sunday.

When I transitioned into the employment phase of the New Life Program, God blessed me with a job at the Maverik across the street from the Mission. It’s a busy store, and the work can get hectic, but it’s a gift to be sober and employed again. I now work at least 40 hours a week with a great benefits package.

As I continue working, I’m saving money through the Mission so I can afford a deposit and first and last month’s rent for an apartment. Because of high housing costs, I may need a roommate or two—please pray that God will lead me to the right place and the right roommates.

Today, I have a strong relationship with my family. My aunt helped me get my job at Maverik, and I often connect with my mother, who lives in an assisted living facility here in Salt Lake. It feels good to have the trust of my family again.

Looking ahead, my goals aren’t complicated. I want to get my own apartment, keep working, stay sober, and maybe try to get my driver’s license (I’ve never had one before).

Please pray for me as I graduate from the Mission later this summer. Pray that God keeps me on this path. Also, thank you for supporting the Mission. Without it, my blood levels likely would have dropped so low that I wouldn’t be here today. God used your generosity to save my life, and I am deeply grateful.