“I finally felt at peace…”

Anthony was abused by his family his whole life. Through the trauma, he tried to stay true to his gentle nature, but feelings of anger eventually took over. “I began smoking and bullying other kids at school, and that wasn’t me. I wasn’t like that, and I hated myself for it.”

At age 23, he’d had enough. He realized that to have the life he wanted, he had to leave. Anthony left home for a fresh start, but without a support system, he quickly blew through his savings and began experiencing homelessness. Feeling hopeless, he turned to substance abuse to ease his pain. When he was sober, he struggled with thoughts of suicide.

“A few weeks into being homeless, I was assaulted and robbed,” he says. “I said, ‘If you’re going to kill me, just do it. I’m sick of this. End my pain.’”

Fortunately, Anthony survived the attack. Shortly after, he learned about our 30-day shelter location in Oceanside – and his life began to change.

“I had nothing left… no family. I didn’t want to be homeless.”

When Anthony came to the Mission Academy program, he was hungry, exhausted and in desperate need of human connection. “One of the staff hugged me, and I started bawling my eyes out,” he says. “I felt joy for the first time in my life. I was so relieved. I finally felt at peace.”

Over the next few days, his strength was restored through nourishing meals and restful sleep. With the support he’d always longed for, he began to think about his future. Anthony immediately knew what he wanted to do: further his education. He began working toward his high school diploma and plans to join the Air Force.

“I don’t have to worry about my past anymore,” he says. “I can’t wait to see what God has in store for my future.”

Thank you for loving neighbors like Anthony “as you’ve loved yourself.” Your kindness has reminded him that he is not alone and that a better life is possible! “I’m thankful for the Rescue Mission because I’m able to finally have a life and a future. I’m able to be ambitious. I’m proud to say that I’m a Christian.”

To read this issue of Mission in Motion, click to download.