When adult males come to our Men’s Shelter, our prayer is that they put their faith in Jesus Christ and begin rebuilding their lives free from addictions and the destructive habits that left them homeless, unemployed and often without family or friends.

Mike is a perfect example of how that takes place. “When you look back at a life that was filled with debauchery — and that’s a good word for it – and then God shows you something amazing, well, I will serve Him until I die,” Mike said.

For a time Mike’s life was fine. He was married, had two children and managed several large grocery and discount retail stores. However, increasing pain from degenerative disc disease, arthritis — later diagnosed as fibromyalgia — and injuries from involvement in martial arts led Mike to using strong pain medications, then marijuana and alcohol, for relief. It wasn’t long before they became addictions that eventually cost Mike his livelihood and marriage. Not knowing what else to do to help her father, Mike’s daughter dropped him off at Good News in 2012.

It was a few weeks later that God spoke directly to Mike’s heart during a chapel service and he accepted Christ as his Savior. He stopped using drugs and alcohol and began to grow in faith and his walk with the Lord. Mike’s transformation was noticed by Good News staff and he was tasked with working the front desk at the shelter. From there he was promoted to Weekend Supervisor and then Clientele Manager, becoming a full-time Good News staff member in 2021. Now, three years later, he has stepped into the role of Education Center Coordinator, a position that oversees a new program for our shelter residents. 

The program consists of classroom-type courses, covering about 150 Bible, life skills and healthy living topics. Classes combine videos and Mike’s supplemental teaching, and courses can be added as needed. Mike is learning, too. Day by day he’s taught the wonder-working power of God.

“God has shown me so much grace, so much beauty. I love to learn and I love to study about Him.”