In 2001, while sitting in the Buffalo County jail, a chaplain named Margie Meis introduced me to God, Jesus and the Bible. While incarcerated I participated in Bible studies and promised Jesus I would go to church when I was released. Upon release I attended church every Sunday. Because the Holy Spirit came into my heart, I was on fire for Jesus. I had so much joy and peace that my daughter could see it all over me.

I knew no Christians and longed for someone to go to church with me. None of my family or friends knew who our Savior and Creator was. I was a drug addict and those were the kind of people I knew. After a while, I stopped going to church and seeking out God, and went back to what I knew and the people I knew.

I had quit asking God for help or guidance until I got into more trouble. Eventually I ended up back in jail. I reconnected with Bible studies, but not as intensely. Upon release, I was bound and determined to stay clean. I found myself living in AA clubs until I could get into a drug treatment program.

Just before going into drug treatment, I was walking on 3rd Avenue in front of what is now the Fellowship Home, when I dropped some jewelry that had belonged to my recently deceased mother. I was frantically looking for each piece of jewelry when Peggy Kilen approached me to see if I needed help. Peggy prayed with me to find one missing ring and we soon found it. Peggy told me about Rochester Network for Re-Entry Bible studies and support groups. I thought she meant that they were holding AA meetings at the Discipleship Home.

While in a drug treatment, I heard about the Network’s residential homes and filled out an application. Andy Kilen interviewed me and I was accepted for residency on January 2, 2007. Rochester Network For Re-Entry has given me a fresh start in a healthy, safe environment. I have been blessed by the many loving people in the Network, who have taught me not to judge others and have shown me what love is. Because of this, I know that life is worth sacrifices. Through their encouragement and support I realize that through Jesus everything is possible.

Living at the Fellowship Home has given me the courage and ability to make and achieve goals in every area of my life. Today I have a job that I feel totally undeserving of. It is a job where I love those I work with so much that it doesn’t even feel like a job. I have learned what love truly is and am learning how to love others. I truly believe it is God’s gift to me! Most importantly, I believe He gave me a home that is like a big family and Jesus is right in the center of it!!