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Client Stories
 My name is Carl, and I used to think the Bible was just a book that somehow cemented society together. Now I know it’s God’s Truth. In the past “God d---” were my favorite words. Now they are “God is love,” and “God is merciful.” For years I was a structural painter. I was so hooked on paint thinner that fresh air would make me throw up. I was also hooked on meth. With that drug inside me, I’d stay awake for six days and sleep on the seventh. My life was no life. After six months in jail, I decided I would OD. I had the money and I had the plan. I had no reason to live. Because of my drug use, arthritis was killing me—and I’m still feeling the pain. I just wanted to die and go to hell—because in hell I’d be with my friends. I thought ending my life was my only option. God is the center of my life
But God had a better plan for me. It was the Everett Gospel Mission. Here I’m discovering all kinds of reasons to live and to serve others. I’m learning how to be humble before the Lord and my peers. I used to play the role of victim; it was always everyone else’s fault. Today, I take full responsibility for my actions. I just wish I’d known God in my twenties, because from that time forward I had no use for God. Now He’s the center of my life. No matter what the future holds for me, I’m going to faithful to my Lord. I also want to say a word of thanks to you who give to the Mission to help people like me. This is an amazing place where lives are being transformed daily. Thank you for helping so many with your generosity. God bless you.
 My name is Annie, and I’m at the Everett Gospel Mission’s women’s shelter because I had no place else to go. When I came here I was a wreck. I had been on meth for two years – two years of despair, self-hate, and burning bridges with my family. All I wanted was my drugs. Nothing else. I didn’t want to come here because I thought we’d be sleeping on cots on the floor. I’d heard about Missions, and I didn’t want any part of them. How wrong I was about this shelter! This is a haven that’s helping me speak the truth about myself and my behavior. I used to believe I wasn’t good enough for God to love me. Now I know that that was a lie. I once thought I’d never have power over my addictions. That, too, was a lie. You’ve saved my life. Thank you! I’m now making progress, but it’s not because of me; it’s God who’s ruling my life. I’m able to live my new life in one of the most comfortable places I’ve ever been in. You who give to the Mission make this shelter possible, and you’ve literally saved my life. I don’t know what would have happened to me if I’d not come through these doors. Today, I’m just happy to be alive. I’m taking it a day at a time. I still get grumpy and irritable on occasion, but God is working with me in those areas as well. With God’s help, I know I’m going to make it.
 My name is Farrell, and my past life included drinking with the boys under bridges, getting high, talking about nothing important – while I rocked my son Chase in his stroller. Drinking was more important than anything to me. I also used crack and meth – while still trying to work through the guilt of an abortion. I’d get a little money so Chase and I could stay in a cheap hotel for a couple nights. But all I worried about was having enough money left over for beer. I just kept drinking
Lying on that motel bed, I knew this was no life for my son or me. But I just refused to stop drinking. Then one day I came to the women’s shelter at Everett Gospel Mission. Believe me, I was not looking for a godly shelter. I just wanted help. But God had other plans for me. Within a short time I began to change. Today I’m sober. I go to church. I’ve graduated from the program and now have my own apartment. The staff continues to help me deal with the guilt of my abortion. Now I want to reach out to others, starting with my own tribe, the Blackfeet. 96% of my nation drinks, and the alcohol is ruining us. As you pray for me, please know that I’m also saying a prayer of thanks for all you do to help desperate people like me. Thank you for the bed, the food, the clothes and all the love. God bless you for caring so much.
 My name is Rudy, and I want to give an Easter thanks to you for all you give to us…the clothes, food, electricity for the lights, the chance to work and so much more. Your gifts are helping to turn distress into hope, and pain into joy. I also want to thank the staff, especially Phil Wineinger who literally camped on my cell doorstep while I was having probation problems. He never gave up on me. He didn’t budge. What Phil did for me brings tears to my eyes. I’m so grateful. …and they still loved me
Here I was, addicted to alcohol and crack, and people still loved me. I would go on 24-hour benders, steal, do jail time, take pills for depression, and yet none of my past mattered to this staff that’s committed to touching lives at any cost. Today I know Jesus and his love. I’m experiencing the truth and that truth is settling in my heart. It’s making me a free man for the first time in my life. From now on I’m willing to keep stepping up to the plate – to keep learning, loving and developing an even closer relationship with my risen Lord. Thank you for praying for me…even as I promise to pray for you. God bless you.
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