His path from graduate to house manager is inspiring

This is the seventh story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” For this month’s profile, we sat down with new House Manager and Life Recovery Program Graduate J.R. His life was consumed by drug abuse, broken relationships, and lost opportunities; he’s now in a place of commitment, contentment, and ongoing spiritual growth. J.R. brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to the Mission and a love for God, his coworkers, and those we serve.

What were you like before coming into the Life Recovery Program?

I can sum that up in a few words: I was selfish, violent, ashamed, and ugly. When I was under the influence of drugs those words described me perfectly.

Is it hard to look back on that time?

No, because by looking back I can see all that God has done in my life. My whole life has changed, but I like to think that it’s my heart that has changed the most.

What was the most impactful thing you learned in the program?

Scripture. God’s Word. I learned it, I learned to love it, and I learned to live it…though that last part is still a work in progress. I was changed tremendously by all of that, and I walk a different path now. A big thing is how different my speech is. I respond to others in a more gentle and patient way now. Before I would go off at the slightest thing. Not that I don’t sometimes get angry, but I have learned that the phrase “a gentle answer turns away wrath” is more than just a platitude.

What brought you back to work here?

I didn’t plan on coming back here but God had something different in store for me. I had a decent paying job already, but I prayed and sought counsel about working at the Mission. Eventually everything just seemed to be pointing me back here.

How has your time here on staff changed you?

I was initially hired as a driver and then operations got added to my responsibilities. That taught me to be efficient, thorough, and to plan my time effectively. Being able to spend time with different program men while picking up donations turned out to be a great blessing as well. The one-on-one time was an opportunity for me to share my own experiences and to maybe help someone who was struggling or had questions. Now that I am the House Manager I have been changed even more, especially in how I lead and direct the men in the program. In the past I never would have described myself as a leader but now I would.

What’s the best part of your job?

First, I love everyone I work with. And being a part of a Christian organization is amazing. But on a day-to-day basis, what I like the most is just being here in the mix of things. I like the devotion at staff meetings to start the day, I like interacting with the program men, I like feeling that what I do matters and that I am contributing to something meaningful. I guess it comes down to feeling the energy of God’s presence here every day.

And the hardest part of your job?

Seeing someone leave the program. It’s heart breaking to me because I know first-hand what this place can do to change lives. And honestly sometimes I feel defeated and deflated because I wonder if I could have done something differently.

How is your relationship now with your family?

Beautiful. That’s what I would say—beautiful. It really is. Especially my relationship with my son. I am striving to raise my son differently than how I was raised.

So, you are breaking a dysfunctional family cycle?

Yes, I like to say that I am breaking chains.

What does your spiritual life look like?

I attend Calvary Chapel in Oxnard on Sundays as well as the Wednesday night Bible study. I also like to listen to online sermons from lots of different pastors.

You are a big fan of worship music, yes?

I love Christian music, and I surround myself with it daily. I like Christian rap especially. Some might say it sounds secular, but for me, if there’s Jesus in there, it’s alright. But I love the more mainstream stuff as well. Shane and Shane are great, and Phil Wickham is always a go-to for me. This past year I have seen concerts with Hulvey and with Forest Frank, also Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake. I saw Elevation Worship as well.

In keeping with this year’s theme of “Opening Doors,” what has been opened up for you?

Being in the program definitely opened a door to a life of sobriety and a closer walk with God. And that led to me becoming a driver, which then opened the door to being the House Manager. Each one led to the next. Later, down the road—and I say later because I am content with where I am—I can see myself going ever farther with this organization.

Do you feel you have helped open doors for others?

Yes, I do. I do my best to spread the Gospel in the hope that God will open doors to a life in Christ. I have learned to see others differently and to act in a way that reflects who I have become. As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:16, “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.”

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Can we finish with one of the “dad jokes” you are famous for here?

What did one hat say to the other hat? You stay here, I’m going to go on a head.