05/13/2026
“When I lost the job that I had made my career, feeling lost at sea barely describes it…”
As a boy, Johnathan was stuck inside a tense, divorced dynamic. Despite growing up knowing about God because of his grandparents, he discovered that staying neutral and not rocking the boat was the most peaceful way to be.
But his life became anything but neutral. He drifted into a life of sin and self-indulgence. He sought help from the church, but though he polished the outside of his life, he kept God at arm’s length and continued living in pride and rebellion.
In God’s providence, Johnathan lost his career, and he spiraled. Losing everything, homelessness overtook him. “Becoming homeless for almost a year was not something I ever envisioned.”
But that was just another step in God’s plan. “In a city park, I prayed for a way out of my insanity.” Johnathan shared. “By the end of that week, I was directed to UGM.” Johnathan enjoyed hot meals and safe shelter offered by the Mission, and months later, he decided to join the New Life Program.
God used the Program to teach Johnathan the importance of “surrendering and staying surrendered.” “I was received by open arms and so much support that it was overwhelming at first, but I’ve learned to find true comfort in the outpouring of encouragement that I’ve found here.”
Today, Johnathan is working part-time in our kitchen and living in the Redemption House as he rebuilds his foundation on surer ground. “I am truly changed from the man that I was,” he says now. We praise God for His grace in changing Johnathan’s life!
