Finding Hope in Service
robert
recovery
Searching for Faith and a New Direction
In his early 30s, Robert attended a Bible based discipleship program in San Diego, where he learned about becoming a disciple and helping others do the same. Over the years, he also spent time in other recovery and treatment programs. He said that, although he continued to talk and pray with God, he had not reconnected with a Christian faith based program in a deeper way.
Choosing Gospel Rescue Mission
Robert came to Gospel Rescue Mission because he wanted that renewed connection and because he knew he needed “more accountability and more resources and options.” He described arriving after what felt like a “rough” period of relapse and refocusing. Rather than pretending the past had not happened, Robert began to see how it had shaped his story: “I’m not ashamed of where I’ve been or what I’ve done.”
Learning to Look Inward
Through the Mission’s program and the opportunity coffee & cafe internship, Robert said he is learning to look beyond frustration with other people and recognize the struggles within himself. He described it as “an internal kind of struggle between my flesh and my spirit.” That reflection has taught him to refocus on how God sees others and to practice “grace, forgiveness, mercy, and patience.”
Finding Hope in Service
Robert says he is excited about “the consistency of recovery and Jesus” in his life, and hopes his progress can encourage someone who doubts they can make it. Robert sees his life not only through what he has endured, but through the hope he believes God is building from it. “God is making a cup of hope out of me,” he said, describing his journey as “beauty from the ashes.” He hopes that by continuing in recovery, growing in faith, and serving others, his story can remind someone else that starting again is possible.
