From Hurting, to Healed, to Hopeful

He came from a good home but it didn’t stop him from becoming homeless.

Joseph came from a working-class family. He never got into much trouble when he was growing up. His father had a great work ethic, raised him in a strict environment but Joseph found it difficult to meet his father’s expectations. After high school Joseph enlisted in the Air Force for active duty.  

Joseph’s demise began when he started hanging out with the wrong crowd. He began using marijuana then eventually moved on to meth use. He began as a functional, weekend drug-user. His life was a roller coaster of highs and lows but his weekend use turned into a full addiction. 

Joseph found himself on the wrong side of the law and was incarcerated. Once reality began to set in, he sought help through the advice of a friend.  He made a  call from the jail to the Orange County Rescue Mission. He literally did his intake interview from the jail.  

Released on probation he took an Uber directly from jail to the OC Mission. Joseph spent two years at the OCRM and was able to get his criminal background dismissed.

It was at the Mission that Joseph began to establish positive habits. Now every day that he wakes up early to read his Bible he knows that Christ is working in his life. He’s decided that living for the Lord is his priority now.    

Today he drives the OC Access buses for special needs, disabled and elderly people in the community. He loves helping these people.  He finds his job to be very fulfilling. He believes this is exactly where God wants him. He says that God has helped him develop a strong work ethic like his father had exemplified when he was growing up in his home. 

Now, when he drives for his job, he sees folks on the streets with whom he used to associate, which is hard for him. He wants them to receive the same blessings God has given him. He prays for them with a heavy but hopeful heart.

Recently, Deed and Truth had the privilege of meeting him and helping him move into his first home with the help of the House2Home team from Pacific Coast Church in San Clemente.

Joseph feels extremely blessed by the H2H ministry. Now every day since, he wakes up and appreciates his furniture and his favorite chair (see picture).  He feels SO thankful for H2H and Deed and Truth.

We asked Joseph what his goals were and he asks you to pray for him to prioritize and become more diligent to be able to save money. Please keep Joseph in your prayers this week and a very special thanks to our ministry partners at Pacific Coast Church for their volunteer hours and financial support over the years.