On Friday, October 26th, four wonderful men graduated from our Foundations program.

The Foundations program, a 13-month residential life recovery ministry, is designed for men who have expressed a desire to change their lives both physically and spiritually. Intended to break the cycle of homelessness and addiction, this ministry encourages individual accountability and responsibility using Biblically-based class curriculum, work assignment and counseling. The desired goal for each man is to successfully complete the program and become a contributing member of society.

Once residents have completed a program, we have a graduation in their honor. In addition to our staff, Board members and community friends, our graduates invite their family & friends to the ceremony. The graduation ceremony is a great way to congratulate the men on all their hard work, but more importantly it’s a great way to show how God is still in the business of changing lives!

As a part of their exit from the program, we asked each of the men to share a brief testimony. Take a moment to read about each of these men and remember to keep them, and all the other men who enter our program, in your prayers.

Frank Bercaw

In October 2010 my world was falling apart.  I came to The Hope Center as a functioning alcoholic who was spiraling out of control.  I stayed as a transient and managed to work some.  My alcohol problem became more than I could manage.  Through The Hope Center, and the blessing that God has placed on the staff and many others here, I’ve won the victory over alcohol.  I’ve found the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior and my life now has a future and a hope!  Glory be to God!

Howard Hawkins

Following the death of my mother, who had resided in Clear Spring, Maryland, my plan was to go to the family home.  When I arrived there I found out the house was on lock-down and my brother was in Florida, so I needed a place to stay.  On August 16, 2011 I came to The Hope Center and the rest is history!  God began to show me who I truly am in Him which resulted in a life of renewal and being transformed!  I am now able to be used of God in spite of myself.

Kevin Scott

In June 2011 I came to The Hope Center from the devil’s lies, bound by misery, blindness and death.  In pain I cried out to God.  At the time I did not know how sincere my cry from the heart was to God.  God led me to The Hope Center where He told me to be quiet and open my mind and heart to Him.  So I did.  The Hope Center, being in God’s Word, was in a position to help a total stranger.  With a lost soul, a broken spirit and a highly unpredictable personality, I learned how to have the best relationship of a lifetime!  That relationship is with God, the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  Thank you God!  Your Word is here!

William Neal

August of 2011 found me in Martinsburg, West Virginia without housing, employment, or much hope of such.  God sent someone to lead me to The Hope Center at Hagerstown Rescue Mission.  Here I have received much knowledge and information on who God is and what He has always intended for my life.  Now I understand that attempting to live without His direction is folly.  He wants only the best for me!   Through His Son, Jesus, I can and will have eternal life, peace and joy in Heaven!

While every story seems different, they are all the same. Every one of the people who comes to The Hope Center is in need of the same thing, hope. And while we all know that the world promises many different solutions to the problem, at The Hope Center we offer the only real solution: Jesus. And thanks to you and our many other donors & volunteers, God is changing lives and restoring hope in the lives of so many precious people. Thank you for helping to change lives!

Congrats graduates! You’ve worked hard and now you have a fresh start at a brand new life!