The Holiday season is all about giving, giving thanks and the giving of gifts. But how would you learn to give when your life is about little more than surviving in a household full of conflict, abuse and tragedy?
That's how it was for John*. So it's no surprise he ended up homeless. But with the help of friends like you, John worked hard and became one of the many homeless people who, while at CityTeam during the holidays, discovered what it means to give.
Now giving is the foundation of his new life of discipline, self-sufficiency and a growing faith, but it wasn't always that way. You see, John's father was distant, passive and uninvolved. He never gave. And things weren't right with his mother, either.
A serious alcohol and drug abuser, she regularly screamed at John and his siblings when she was high. Things would get so bad that John often went to his grandparents to escape the abuse. He and his sister even tried more than once to run away.
Incredibly, Child Protective Services would always bring them back home. Within three years of his mom's death, John's dad remarried. Unfortunately, his stepmother wasn't much better. She also was mentally abusive, finally kicking John out of the house. He moved from one friend's home to another, just trying to survive.
Wanting to overcome his problems, but too afraid to reach out for help, John turned to drugs to ease the pain. His desperation culminated in a failed suicide attempt. Finally, he realized, he had hit rock bottom.
After calling several shelters for help, John found City Team. We invited him to join our proven Christian-based recovery program. He worked hard, learning patience, humility and reliance on God.
Sober for a year now, John is thankful to the Lord for a second chance at life and now he wants to give back.
Last Christmas, for the first time in his life, John experienced something he hadn't in years: a real Christmas, with a tree, decorations and gifts - all of the things CityTeam does to make the holidays more cheerful for men who are temporarily separated from family and friends. It was then that John realized what God had done for him.
He knew that he must learn how to give to others. He began by reaching out to other homeless men. He offered his help. Sometimes, all he had to give were his own possessions. But he always counted it a privilege to give.
One of the toughest gifts John had to give was to his father - forgiveness and a second chance. For months after coming to CityTeam, John avoided contacting him because he was ashamed of his situation. "We have a great relationship now," he says. They’re talking on the phone and meeting weekly. Today, John is very grateful for friends like you who have helped make his new life possible. Without the people who support us,” John says, "This place wouldn't be here to transform people." He’s looking forward to becoming an alcohol and drug counselor - so that he can continue in the spirit of giving.
* John’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.
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