Part 2: A Wednesday Evening Ministry of Hope

This Giving Season, you have the opportunity to grow ministries at the Eugene Mission that offer people Hope for a real future, love that heals and relational resources that connect guests with the tools for long-term success.

Join our $40,000 matching gift challenge and see your impact double this season! Click the button below to support life-changing services at the Eugene Mission!‍ ‍

Part 2: Mike’s story — Forgiveness Is Possible

R3 Program guest Mike had been addicted to drugs for 45 years — more than four decades of hiding who he was, feeling like he had to pretend and wear a mask in order to be liked, and never believing that the “real” him was lovable.

When he arrived at the Eugene Mission in February, he thought he was going to have to hide again, but the community here proved him wrong.

“People here like me as a person, and they like me clean,” Mike shared. “I’ve seen here that you can be sober and do all sorts of activities and have fun. I’ve had more love here than in the past.”

After many years of lying and hiding, Mike had become good at presenting a version of himself to others that wasn’t real. He had been taking care of properties for a landlord who had helped him get off the street in the past and who didn’t realize he was still using. The burden of concealing his habit finally became too heavy, and Mike confessed and got into treatment at Serenity Lane.

From there, he came to the Mission. He began attending the Wednesday evening Bible study where he met volunteer Jackson, who encouraged him to begin attending church. From there, Mike was baptized and he began building a new community filled with people who believe in him and want to know and love who he really is.

Programs, services and activities at the Mission have been created with community in mind. Getting clean is just the beginning — finding grace, encouragement and love from others makes the difference.

Mike said it’s been difficult to believe that he doesn’t have to do anything to earn love and forgiveness from God, but the truth is starting to sink in. When you can be real with God, you can be real with others.

“I’m walking God’s walk instead of my own way,” he said. “It’s going pretty good.”