08/28/2025
My name is Michael, Iโm 45 years old and Iโm from Youngstown, Ohio. I want to share my story with you because I know there are people out there who feel hopeless, like their lives are too broken to be put back together.
My life started in brokenness. I was left on my grandparentsโ doorstep in a trash bag, abandoned before I could even understand what life was. My childhood was marked by severe abuse, pain, and rejection. Those wounds followed me into adulthood, and by the time I was 20 years old, I was addicted to co***ne. I thought drugs were the only way to escape the pain, but they only chained me down further.
My life spiraled out of control, and there is no reason why I should even be alive today. I was shot nine times and overdosed twice. I stared death in the face more than once, and each time I woke up, I wondered why God even kept me alive.
God had a plan, though. In the middle of my mess, someone told me about the Warren Family Mission. I didnโt know what else to do, so I picked up the phone and called. That simple act of reaching out became the turning point of my entire life.
Since coming to the Mission, I have found more than just shelter and recovery; I have found Jesus. Iโve learned that He has been with me even when I thought I was alone, even when I thought I was too broken to be loved. In Him, I have found healing. Today I live with hope and purpose. I am five months sober. All glory goes to God for saving me, and I thank the Warren Family Mission for being the hands and feet of Jesus in my life.
Ephesians 6:10-11 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devilโs schemes.