When You Think You Blew It, Grace Says Otherwise

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

About five years ago, Donny came into our program completely broken. Alcohol had wrecked his life. He had lost jobs, damaged relationships, and pretty much lost everything. But sometimes broken is exactly where God meets us.

From the moment Donny entered the program, something started changing. He gave his life to Jesus and threw himself into seeking God. He spent his free time in the Word, in prayer, and serving others. If something needed to be done, Donny was usually the first one volunteering to help.

When he completed the program, I encouraged him to stay for a season of transition. I knew it would help him stay grounded, and honestly, the guys in the program needed someone like him around. But Donny missed his dog and wanted to get back out on his own, so he made arrangements and moved out.

After a while, I lost contact with him.

Then one day I got a call from Donny asking if he could come back into the program.

Somewhere along the way, he had drifted. Jesus got pushed to the back seat, and the flesh took over again. Once again, Donny found himself broken. But praise God His mercy doesn’t run out. Lamentations 3 says His mercies are new every morning.

Donny came back humbled, hungry, and ready to surrender again. And once again, God started rebuilding his life.

This time, when graduation came around, Donny decided he wasn’t going anywhere. He stayed, continued serving faithfully, and became a powerful example to the men around him. Not long after completing the program, we asked him to step into the Resident Manager position here at the Men’s Residence.

At the same time, Donny felt God leading him to further his education. He enrolled at Lake-Sumter State College to study IT while also starting his own handyman business.

Two years later, Donny is still faithfully serving as Resident Manager. He completed his Associate in Science degree with a perfect 4.0, continues to lead the men by example every day, and has now joined the maintenance staff at First Baptist Church of Leesburg.

His story is a reminder that even when we think we blew it… even when we think it’s over… God is not finished with us yet.

The Men’s Residence has been nicknamed “The House of Miracles,” and Donny’s story is just one example of the miracles God is still working here every day.

If you would like to partner with us financially, volunteer, or help support the work God is doing through this ministry, please email Jamie@christiancarecenter.org.