Dave’s Success Story

It was about 18 months ago, in the late fall of 2023, when I stood on the edge of Big Cottonwood Creek, ready to leap into the cold waters below and end my life.

I had arrived at that specific spot using an online ride service. As a photographer specializing in engagements, weddings, and portraits, I’d visited that canyon many times for photo shoots. I knew that area well—for its deep water and high perch above the creek. I had spent the last of my money to pay the ride service driver. Nearby sat my last remaining possessions: a large rolling case holding my professional photography equipment. I stood there, preparing to jump.

Then, a man approached. He was an off-duty forest ranger, familiar with patrolling the area up Big Cottonwood Canyon. He asked if I was okay but I brushed him off, saying I was just looking at the water. He seemed to accept that and walked away. I prepared to jump again, but suddenly, I was body-slammed to the ground. The ranger had returned. He pinned me and told me he wasn’t going to let me take my life.

He called the police and stayed with me until they arrived. As we waited, we talked about life. I learned he was a Christian and I came to believe that God had sent him to save me. The police eventually took me to a local hospital, where I spent three days getting help for the hopelessness that had consumed me.

That moment was the culmination of more than 20 years of worsening alcohol abuse. As my drinking escalated, I began losing photography work, then my marriage, and eventually my relationship with my children. I lost my home and bounced from motel to motel, drinking away what little I had left. When the hospital released me, I had nowhere to go and no money. It was my first night actually living on the streets.

I walked to the downtown library, rolling my photography equipment case behind me, wearing shorts and flip-flops. It was getting cold and dark when a stranger shouted from across the street. He looked like someone you might instinctively fear, but he turned out to be kind. He loaned me a sleeping bag and a coat and showed me a place to lay down for the night. The next morning, he guided me to the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake. He said I could warm up and get a hot breakfast there.

At the Mission, I learned about the New Life Program and how they help people get sober and return to work, but I was hesitant to join the program. Still, I start going to daily Bible studies, afternoon life-skills classes, and evening chapel services. These classes are required for program members but open to everybody, even people just walking in off the streets like me. Through those services, I became a true follower of Jesus. My faith in God changed my heart. I no longer felt depressed, and I stopped drinking. I lost 45 pounds and became physically healthy again.

I began attending Gospel Grace Church, which sends a van every Sunday to pick up people from the Mission. I joined the Sunday School program and started working through the New City Catechism. The pastors have been a wonderful support, always willing to answer my questions about faith.

When I was ready to work again, I got a job at the Salt Palace Convention Center, doing event setup and service. I had experience in event planning and was honest with the hiring manager about my story—including the fact that I was living at the Mission. He took a chance on me. As I work there, I am also rebuilding my photography business, and love taking pictures for the Rescue Mission when they need help with photography.

I began saving money and eventually had enough to move out with a friend who is in the Mission’s program. We found a clean, quiet, and safe two-bedroom apartment just east of downtown where we can share the bills.

By God’s grace, my daughter reconnected with me through her therapist, and we’re slowly rebuilding our relationship. My mother, who lives in Montana, has also reached out and we now have a strong relationship. Please pray that God continues to heal the family wounds I’ve caused.

I’m pursuing membership at Gospel Grace Church and will soon begin serving in their van ministry, helping transport others from the Mission to Sunday services. It’s my joy to give back to the community that supported me when I had nothing.

I still keep in touch with the off-duty ranger who tackled me that day. We text often. He checks in on me, and I thank him for being the vessel God used to save my life. Not in that moment, but for the long term.

There was a time when I was cold, alone, and without hope. But God led me to the Rescue Mission, where I found food, warmth, and loving help. To all the faithful supporters of the Rescue Mission—thank you. Your support has meant everything and I regularly praise God for you!