Katies’s Testimony
My story has a new beginning

Katie was in a long-term relationship with a man who shared her substance-abuse issues. He was also the father of her two young sons. And he was mentally and physically abusive.

“Just to me – not the children,” she says, grateful the boys, both toddlers, were never in danger. “But it was something they were watching. I was desperate for them not to grow up in that kind of environment. I didn’t want them to think that’s what love looked like. I was scared. I wanted to leave, yet I didn’t know how. I prayed god would give us a way out.”

Katie grew so desperate she attempted suicide. “In the hospital, she tested positive for illegal drugs, and her boys were placed in foster care by the Department of Human Services (DHS). “My DHS worker realized my challenges ran deeper than drug abuse. She said I needed to go back to a place where I’d be safe. That’s what it would take to get my sons back.”

Katie came to our Hope Family Center and was shocked when she realized this was the answer to her prayer! “It came in an unexpected way, but was clear – through Hope Ministries, God was giving my story a new beginning!”

Katie joined our HEART Recovery Program and is working hard to leave her addiction behind and rebuild her walk with the Lord. And she’s flourishing in our Christ-centered environment. “I was welcomed beyond my basic needs being met. The staff and volunteers didn’t even know me, yet they reached out and made me feel loved and special. At first I felt it was completely undeserved. But as they taught me about grace and forgiveness it made sense. I’m trying to make those part of my everyday life now.”

Her sons joined her at Hope Family Center in August, and she’s looking forward to our holiday activities and giving the Christmas story meaning in their lives. “I want their memories of Christmas to be consistent – a church service, with lots of music, where they learn what Christ’s birth means for them. A tree with presents and a meal. And as they get older and I build a network of safe and spiritually grounded people for their lives, they’ll associate Christmas with ‘family’ like we’ve found here!”

Your prayers, compassion and selfless generosity help Hope Ministries bring the Christmas story to life in the hearts of people like Katie and her children every day of the year. Thank you!

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