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The spring season is right around the corner, and what lays ahead is longer days and more sunshine. This extension of our days brings much excitement and anticipation for the activities that fill many of our lives, such as kids’ sports, hiking, picnics, and other outdoor activities accommodated by the warmer weather. It also brings almond blossoms, sprouting grass, new leaves on trees, and blooming flowers. Spring reminds us that with every season contains unique characteristics that we either love or hate. The words from King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3:1 states it like this, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” For those that are battling addiction, homelessness, and mental health, this verse holds such a universal truth for them. We know through Christ, this time or season of brokenness and trouble shall also pass, and what lays ahead is a fruitful season of grace, mercy, and salvation, all to the glory of God. Thank you for sowing seed into this amazing ministry that allows people of all ages and walks of life to walk through one season into the next.
Jason Conway
Chief Executive Officer
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My name is Ashley. I was born in Santa Clara County. I have seven sisters and two brothers, and I was my mom’s 8th child. We moved from San Jose to Modesto when I was 10 years old. I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and placed on medication. I had a normal upbringing with both my parents present in my life. I developed an addictive personality due to my ADHD medication, and at the age of 14, I began using street drugs. My drug use increased after the birth of my daughter Baylie. When my older sister passed away in 2009 my addiction worsened, and my life became unmanageable. In 2011, my father passed away from cancer. By this time, I had my second child and went to jail. In 2011, I got sober and stayed sober for 8 years. In 2019, I lost my mom to cancer, and I relapsed. I used drugs and alcohol for 3.5 years and then I checked myself into a rehab center. I left the treatment center on November 1st and came to the Modesto Gospel Mission after hearing about the program through a friend. I was able to bring Baylie with me. Since coming to the Mission, I have been working on a lot of traumas that happened throughout my life. I never went to church growing up. Since I joined the program I began to learn about who Christ is, and Baylie and I have both accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior. I can see a big difference in Baylie since we’ve been here. Her teachers said that they have seen major growth and a big change in her behavior and attitude. I'm so thankful to the Mission and my Chaplain who has inspired me to keep going and not give up. After I graduate, my goal is to have a job that I enjoy doing and can help other people. I want a place to call home for me and my children. I would also like to reunite with my family and continue to grow in the Lord.
- Ashley
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Springtime! One of the most beautiful times of the year. Lush green hills, flowers blooming, trees blossoming, warmer weather – it lifts our spirits! The Old Testament prophet Isaiah, inspired by God, may have seen the beautiful springtime when he penned this verse above. But God was also illustrating a greater spiritual picture of our own lives as a wasteland without Him!
If you were to visit the Mission and listen to the stories of many of our men and women, theirs is a story of a life that was a wasteland. Picture Death Valley, or closer to home, stretches of Yosemite Boulevard or 9th Street in Modesto. A life on the street or behind bars, struggling with addiction, abuse, alienation from family, loneliness – desperation and no hope! But praise God, each of them crossed the threshold of the Mission. That took courage! Brought at the urging of family, or friends, a pastor, or just desperation, each one led by the Spirit of God to escape their “wasteland.” At the Mission they were introduced to a whole new life in Christ – a life of mercy, forgiveness, meaning and hope through the Gospel. Lives changed – moving from death to life. Michael W. Smith’s beautiful song is a prayer that we see at work at the Mission: “Lord let Your light, Light of Your face shine on us, That we may be saved, That we may have life, To find our way in the darkest night, Let Your light shine on us.”
A special note of thanks to each of you for your faithful partnership through your prayers, your gifts and donations, making possible the ministry of the Mission to lead our guests out of their “wasteland” into a restored life of hope and peace in Christ Jesus!
God’s special blessing,
Pastor Jack Copland
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