“It was God who saved me”
James loved playing baseball; he excelled at it, too. Almost as much as the game itself, he enjoyed coaching younger kids and helping them develop their skills.
So after college, when he failed to be drafted by a professional team, the dream he’d held since childhood was shattered. The disappointment was devastating. “I knew not everyone can make it,” he says, “but it really took a toll on my life. I started using drugs and it just went downhill.”
James struggled with substance abuse for more than 40 years, adopting habits that jeopardized his career path, relationships and self-esteem. While blessed by a stable family who provided a safety net and prevented him from experiencing homelessness, their unwavering support enabled him to continue his destructive lifestyle.
“I was the dark sheep, but they loved me so much.”
After failing at treatment more than a dozen times, James had given up hope of ever building a meaningful life – until a frightening experience nearly ended it. While sharing drugs with a friend he unknowingly ingested fentanyl. He became deathly ill but miraculously survived. He credits God for guiding those who saved him.
“I thank God for that,” he says. “I knew He had a purpose for me.”
And he came to the Mission to find it.
James joined our LifeBuilders program, and like all in our care who seek a faith-based new beginning, he’s studying God’s Word, overcoming destructive habits, developing essential life skills, establishing healthy relationships and exploring options for sustainable employment and housing.
As he completes his 18-month curriculum, he serves as a landscaper at the Mission, using skills his father taught him. It’s something he loves to do, while at the same time he learns to be responsible and accountable. “All these things here, they’re showing us how to live again, and it’s time to put that puzzle together.”
After graduation, James says, he wants to enjoy life: “Get married. Travel. Talk to God.” More specifically, he hopes to return to his role of coaching children – not only teaching them baseball skills, but also sharing his story and modeling Godly life skills.
“You have to be a leader even when people aren’t watching.”
Today, James is grateful for this opportunity to express his gratitude for the Mission and for friends like you who have given him a second chance.
“They’ve all played a part in making me right. They showed me how to grow, how to learn – how to live. I don’t take life for granted and I can’t stop here. I’m going to help someone else know God’s Word.”
