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 discovered all kinds of reasons to live and to serve others. I’ve learned 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.