Sophia:
When Sophia was in 6th grade, she was at risk of being held back, because Sarah, Sophia’s mom, had a drug problem and she couldn’t manage both that and her kid’s lives. And if Mom didn’t care if she went to school, why should Sophia? |
Misty:
Misty had what she called a “white picket fence life” – she was married with two children, had a career as a cardiac technician, and lived in a lovely home in Butte, Montana. But there were small cracks in her picture of happiness. On the weekends, she occasionally used marijuana, just for fun, and her husband drank far too much. |
Then Sarah joined the New Life Program at Boise Rescue Mission’s City Light, and everything changed. She accepted Christ, worked to overcome her old lifestyle, and let God transform her into a mother. Now, three years later in 9th grade, Sophia has become a scholastic star, brighter than some who knew her in earlier years might have believed. She has found the motivation to work hard and achieve through her mom, mentor, BRM staff, and people like you- whose prayers can help in immeasurable ways.”
Sophia is an honors student at Riverglen Junior High School in the AVID college-readiness program, a star athlete in basketball and volleyball, and was December’s Student of the Month! She has also been given the “Most Positive Attitude” award for the fall semester. Sophia is a joy to those in her life – Jean Lockhart, Director of City Light, says, “We are so proud of the fine young woman she’s turned out to be and her excellent grades are just one part of it. I am confident that she is going to be a woman who honors God, and we are so proud to have her as part of our family.”
Meagan, Sophia’s mentor, is helping her make plans for college. “She’s thought about her future, set a goal and is working toward it.” “Full force!” adds mom Sarah, smiling.
Sophia is so thankful to God for where her life is now and the people He has placed in it. “God opened my eyes to all the stuff that happened in the past, and He showed me that He can use it, and me, to lead in the future, to help other people.”
Reverend Roscoe expresses what all of the staff here feel – “Sophia’s hard work, positive attitude and bright mind, with the support, encouragement and love that she received from the City Light staff and her mother are all part of her success today. I hope that after college she will come back and serve with us on the Mission Staff!”
Sarah’s pride in her daughter is surpassed only by her gratitude to the Lord for His work in their lives. “My lifestyle directly affected her. If I was still using drugs, she wouldn’t be here. God had everything to do with it.”
Just a couple of weeks ago, Sophia was offered a scholarship to Cole Valley Christian School! God continues to bless her with this opportunity for excellent learning!
| In 2003, those cracks broke up her marriage, and she divorced her husband and temporarily moved to stay with her mom in Idaho. She did move back with her ex, but their life together was dysfunctional. The sudden death of her younger sister brought Misty and her family to live in Boise, and into a life of anger, abuse, and eventually drug use. Her ex-husband gained custody of their daughters, and took them with him back to Montana, where Misty could not legally follow. Her drug problem became all she had, and she threw herself into it, selling and using drugs and going in and out of jail.
After a 28-day rehab program, she lasted seven days before using drugs again. She remarried, to a man who has been in prison most of the past 5 years, and became pregnant with her third daughter, whom she had in jail. Her father posted bond for her to get out, and she tried another 28-day rehab program. This time, she didn’t even last a day before relapsing. She realized that the drug had taken over her life, and she needed help. A month was just not long enough for a five-year drug user to overcome her habit. She applied to the New Life Program at City Light, but before she was accepted, her father tried to commit suicide. She spent eight days by his bedside while he was in a coma, and as soon as he woke up, she came to City Light. Misty did not believe in God, and she just wanted to fulfill the program and get out – she was not willing to sign her life over, but He was working on her heart and moving in His plan for her. He brought Jean Lockhart into her life that summer, who shone with something that Misty recognized as what she needed. Jean told her that she had to ask God for it. She continued to show Misty love and loyalty, and the Mission stood by her even when family tried to derail her recovery. This dedication slowly began to make changes in Misty, but she still resisted God’s call.
In January, she made a serious mistake based on fear, and God has used it to teach her the power of forgiveness through Jean and Reverend Roscoe. He has also used the generosity of two hard-working lawyers to demonstrate to Misty His power and plan. Layne Davis represents Misty in criminal court, and it is through his hard work that a judge has been convinced that a girl with a long record of rebellion and drug abuse is now trying to change her life. He was one of the first to point out to her that City Light was her only way out of the life she was leading. On July 22nd, she and Mr. Davis appeared in court, and the judge was very impressed with her progress! Stephen Sherer is the attorney who is working with Misty to bring her two older daughters to live with her, and she is deeply thankful to him for his help getting her youngest daughter, Jassmyn, safely into her custody. Last month, she was able to visit her older girls for the first time in five years! God slowly broke down the barriers in Misty’s heart through all of these people – He finally made her understand His love. On Reverend Roscoe’s birthday this year, Misty gave her life to Christ. Now things have become clear. She has turned from her past life and the sins she used to be enslaved to, and now fights to be the mother and the woman that God wants her to be. Misty is now a full-time employee of the BRM, using her talents to serve in our Ministry Center! And, she will complete the New Life Program and graduate towards the end of this year! She says that the Mission is a foundation for her, and the four pillars are Jean Lockhart, Rev. Roscoe, and her two lawyers, Layne Davis and Stephen Sherer. Her prayer is to bring the rest of her family to God. She says, “I have a lot I don’t want to jeopardize – much more than someone who has done what I have done should have been given.”
“I know that it’s by the Grace of God that the last 8½ years of destruction have been turned, in just one year, to a miracle.” |
