Many who enter the doors of Star of Hope are looking to heal from painful memories of the past. Lacking a father’s love led Jose down a dark path as a teen. Without a spiritual and earthly father, he turned to drugs and alcohol. This is his story:
I was born and raised in Southern California as the oldest of four siblings: two sisters and one brother. My father left when I was five years old, and my mother did everything she could to provide for us. Though she worked hard to help me and my siblings, lacking a father figure led me to act out from a young age. My acting out as a child eventually became a teenage rebellion.
This rebelliousness led me to the wrong crowd, and I started making bad decisions: abusing drugs and alcohol and breaking the law. Eventually, this led me to serve jail time. After my release from prison years later, I moved to Houston. The move was a chance at a better life, but nothing changed. My life continued to be a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs.
Finally, after 23 years stuck in my addiction, I had reached rock bottom. I got tired of being sick and tired. I saw how my selfishness and my foolishness were affecting those I loved. Something needed to change, and Star of Hope was that change that I desperately needed.
Since arriving here, I have learned about fellowship, honesty, and dependability. I have faith for the first time in my life, and it has been a beautiful journey walking with the Lord. This program has given me the needed structure and allowed me to grow in Christ. After graduation, I plan to give back what was freely given to me by sharing my testimony and the Gospel to help the hopeless like me find hope.
You helped Jose find Christ and stability for the first time here at Star of Hope. You provided him with a safe space to overcome his demons and to know the Lord. Thank you!