The ripple effect of your generosity is a reason for hope. When you make it possible for people to “shop” for free clothes in Rescued Treasures, you are enabling Jim White to bless others. Jim is a resident of the Changed Life Recovery Program (CLRP), and his responsibility is to greet and help our Rescued Treasures guests.
Jim is enthusiastic about his role in Treasures: “I love helping people find what they need. Sometimes, I see people in the food line who are just wearing a T-shirt, and even if Rescued Treasures is closed, I bring them in to find a coat. I saw a guy wearing flip-flops and said, ‘What size do you wear? Let’s find you some shoes.’”
Jim has lived most of his adult life oppressed by alcohol and drug addiction, and he has been in jail four times. In fact, this is the second time Jim has stayed at the Mission.
In the fall of 2022, Jim’s brother-in-law dropped him off at the Mission for the first time.
“Not only did I not realize it was a Christian rehab—I didn’t even know it was a rehab!”
The experience of men praying and studying the Bible together and overcoming addiction was a culture shock to Jim. After just four months in the program, he quit and moved to stay with a friend in Montana.
Over the next eight months, Jim got high every day. Can you imagine how frustrated he felt when he eventually felt trapped instead of free? “I decided I didn’t want it no more.” Like the Prodigal Son, he longed for his days in the Mission. Jim humbled himself, called the CLRP Director Carlton Hill, and asked him to take him back into the program.
Soon after returning, Jim submitted his life to Christ. Now, Jim is a different man. “Jesus made a big difference! I pray to Him all the time and I keep going over scriptures. Jesus gives me the strength to stay clean and resist temptation. I love Jesus; He’s awesome!”
Chrissy Erlich, the Rescued Treasures Director is grateful for Jim’s attitude. “Jim is very thoughtful and kind. He likes making people happy.” Thanks to you, Jim can lift people up while he works on his sobriety. He says, “The Mission helps so many people in different ways. This is the best place ever. I love it here!”
