Before I came to the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, I was lost in the dark, broken by fear and drugs. This Christmas, thanks to you, I live in the light – but I will never forget the darkness I left behind.

My mother was lost in her own world of drugs and alcohol. My father abused me mentally, emotionally and physically. I suffered things I can’t talk about, and I was left with PTSD. It was my father who, when I was a teenager, introduced me to drugs.

Eventually, my father went to prison, but by that time drugs controlled my life. I soon fell into homelessness, jumping from couch to couch, friend to friend. When I got pregnant and gave birth to my son, it broke my heart to leave him with my grandmother.

 “I have found myself and my self-worth in Christ.”

When I finally went to jail last year, it was the best thing that ever happened to me, because it gave me the chance to come to the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission.

All the women here were so open and welcoming. They loved me like I’d never been loved before, and they shared with me how God had changed their lives – and I wanted God to do that with me. Through Christian therapy, I was able to overcome the trauma of my past. I learned how to follow God on His path and that I can do all things through Christ. Slowly my life changed.

Today, I’m nine months sober and I have found myself and my self-worth in Christ. My son is back in my life and I have found my purpose: God created me to be a Christ-like mom.

I am so grateful, because this Mission and donors like you never gave up on me. You believed in me and my life will never be the same. I’ve left the darkness behind. Today, I live in the light.

Kassandra has hope this Christmas – and she wants to thank YOU for supporting her journey toward a new life.

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