Michael’s Testimony
Growing up in church, I had no accountability. My mind lacked direction, and instead of seeking godly ways to fill my time, I often found myself lost in unhealthy desires and thought patterns. This opened the door to sexual temptations and to being taken advantage of. People my age and older influenced me early on and shaped who I would become.
As I began getting closer to God, I experienced spiritual attacks. I once sat down with my dad for a late-night talk, but I realized he could not help me with what I was going through. I had to make the choice on my own to cut out cigarettes, illegal drug use, and caffeine. I needed to become healthy again by making God the center of my life.
I needed a change that only comes through brokenness. For a long time, I had relied on people to make me happy. Now I had to choose each day to do what was biblically right. I spent fifteen days walking alone, day and night, allowing God to speak to me. During that time, God cleared the noise from my mind, softened my heart again, and gave me hope.
During this time, I kept hearing a strong temptation: “Turn around. You do not need to do this. You can just stop. There is an easier way.” But in my heart, I knew I needed to continue with God and depend on Him alone, with no strings attached. So I walked from Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana. At first, I thought it was impossible, but I chose to face the journey head-on with God as my source.
Choosing to do this God’s way helped me realize that I was worth something to Him. God guided me and took care of me—and He truly did. But once I arrived in New Orleans, the real battle began. I had no money for food. I tried to get help, but it did not work out. My feet needed time to heal from all the miles I had walked, and my shoes had holes in them. I slept in parking lots and prayed that God would give me discernment about what I should do each day and which people I should avoid. It became a real test of learning to judge character and set firm boundaries with unhealthy people.
After about three weeks, I found places where I could receive new clothes, food, and showers through distribution centers. I started to feel like a new man. At one of these places, I heard people spreading lies about a Christian homeless ministry. They exaggerated the rules and made the situation sound worse than it really was. Yet God used even unhealthy people’s slander to point someone in need toward something good. Instead of believing their words, I decided to check it out for myself.
When I arrived, I knew it was exactly where I needed to be. Before this experience, I struggled with doubts about why a loving God would allow suffering. I wrestled with these thoughts and questions. I stayed at that homeless ministry for two years. During that time, I grew in my relationship with God, read my Bible every day, stayed focused, and submitted to the structure and community there. I worked to put into practice everything God was teaching me through His Word.
Many people expect others to take care of everything for them. People with that mindset often refuse to learn from someone like me. Some remain homeless because they do not want anyone telling them what to do or showing them what the Word of God says. The mental battle becomes so strong that they lose their footing in the fight and turn to addiction. Eventually, they leave because their pain remains unaddressed. Instead, they rely on exploiting others, which causes suffering for those around them.
But for the few who make it through, there is real hope in their hearts. They come to understand that God must be the foundation and the only way forward. Looking back, I know I was blessed. God was with me through pain, discomfort, uncertainty, and much more. When we seek Him with all our hearts, He brings peace. He eases our minds, calms our souls, and begins healing us in the deepest places.
I learned that my mom and dad could not fix me. Even though my parents cared for me, they could not solve the struggles inside my heart. My problems were mine to face. Through pain and lack, I found strength. I left Florida with nothing to my name—no phone and no connections—but I found God. Now I choose to walk in integrity, obey His Word, and do what pleases Him.
God bless you.
Shalom, Shalom
Edited 3/2026