
Markys can trace the root of his struggles back to childhood. He suffered abuse from a family member he thought he could trust… and he was never the same again. Growing up, Markys gravitated to the wrong crowd. “It was just constant drinking and drug use. I started doing the same thing… I wanted to escape my painful memories,” he shares.
As an adult, Markys couldn’t shake the feelings of anger and sadness. “When I looked in the mirror, all I saw was ‘bad,’” he remembers. Between addiction and his temper, he struggled to build relationships and establish a stable home life. One night, an alcohol-fueled argument with his roommates landed him behind bars.
His stint in jail turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Markys was visited by a kind missionary who encouraged him to learn about the Lord. “I was ready to change, so I started going to church. That’s when I accepted Christ into my heart.”
Upon his release, Markys had nowhere to go. He lived in an abandoned trailer for a while. Thankfully, he remembered the missionary telling him about Crossroads Mission Avenue, so he came to us for help.
“By learning to pray again, I discovered the good that lives inside me.”
As soon as Markys arrived at the Mission, he was warmly welcomed by the staff and other guests. Through our 4-Phase Recovery Program, Markys found and maintained his sobriety, developed life and job skills, and was able to practice what he’d gained by working and giving back. “Crossroads was really there for me,” he says.
Our Christ-centered setting played a critical role in supporting Markys’ recovery. Here, he was able to deepen his relationship with the Lord and draw strength from the community around him. He’s made lasting friendships with people he can trust.
Now, Markys is experiencing God’s gift of new life! Thank you for empowering him to follow Christ’s calling in his life. “The Mission has inspired me to help those who are still struggling. I’m grateful they’ve shown me the way!”