Linda
This year, Linda spent her birthday celebrating another year of life alongside staff and friends at Turlock Gospel Mission. Married for 26 years, with 7 kids and 8 grandkids, she is the first to admit that life can go in many unexpected directions. When Linda’s husband started doing drugs about 5 years ago, he was led to gamble away their RV and in the blink of an eye her clothes and even her dog were gone.
She never expected to be in this situation in her life. Left to stay in her truck, it became clear that she had a choice: to dwell in the shame she felt or choose to face it and transform it into freedom, through Jesus. Quickly, Linda decided that she would not be able to live in her vehicle long-term. She heard about Turlock Gospel Mission where she could eat, sleep, and make connections to move toward a brighter future. Linda sees beacons of hope every day at Turlock Gospel Mission: a pair of socks, a warm meal, conversations with staff, a place to spend time encouraging others and being encouraged. She explains, “Each person has a calling for hope, including my husband.” While working with the staff to rebuild her life, she clings to the promise of transformation.
Linda is directly impacted daily by the generous donations, numerous volunteer hours, and abundant prayers that are poured over Turlock Gospel Mission. With the opportunity to leave her truck, not only did she find a bed and a meal, but she found purpose, strength, and optimism for the days ahead. Christ is the reason for every good thing, every redemption story and every restored life. Through the resources provided at Turlock Gospel Mission in accordance with His unending love and provision, this hope is made available each day.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19