My name is Elizabeth. I’ve had a hard life, and I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes. But the one thing I’ve learned this past year is that there are always second chances. God has helped me change my life, and I am so thankful for the help and support I’ve received from Fred Jordan Missions.

I came to the Mission when my life was in limbo.

I first started coming to the Mission about a year ago. Everything in my life seemed like it was in shambles. I didn’t have permanent housing, I didn’t have much money or food and I had a young daughter to take care of. I didn’t know how I was going to cope. Then, one of my friends told me about how the Fred Jordan Mission gives away diapers to women with young children, and so I decided to check it out. I attended one of the Wednesday services for women. I was expecting to get some diapers, but I came away with much more than just that.

I found a community and learned the Truth.

At that first service I was surprised to find singing and a preacher and a group of women who shared their stories. The music was beautiful, and the message about how much God loves me no matter what I’ve done or been through really moved me. I went up and received prayer and suddenly just felt this warmth and love that I hadn’t felt in a long time. The Mission staff then gave me clothes, diapers and hygiene products—more than I ever expected to get that morning—and they invited me back the next week. I knew I’d come back. Suddenly, I’d found a community of love and support. Oh, and the delicious hot lunch I was served after the service didn’t hurt, either!

Now I’ve become a new person, with a new lease on life.

Since that first day, I’ve been coming to the women’s services regularly. I’ve made some good friends, and I love learning more about what Christ has done for me and how God renews my life each day. Actually, things really do feel like they’ve been renewed. I recently got housing of my own, in a neighborhood that is safe for my daughter. I’m closer to her and to my friends, and I’m just happier overall. I feel like God has taken my life and given me a second chance.

I still love coming to the Mission for the ministry time, and I can definitely still use the help they give. We’ve now moved from diapers to pull-ups, and I’m thankful that the Mission has these, too! I just feel blessed, and I can’t wait to see what more God will do in my life.