HELP Texas - At the LIFE Training

The following report is not edited and unabbreviated. It is from a young man who formerly lived on the streets and now takes part in the so called "Life Training" of HELP Texas. You will find more information through the links in the text. "I've spent the last seven months here at the "LIFEHOUSE" property. I arrived with a heavy burden of ashes, the fruit of a life squandered in darkness, broken and alone. My mind twisted against the future and reeling from the past, tormented by demons the likes of witch I care not to fathom.
As a guest in the "LIFE Training" program I have been gently guided through the process of bringing these ashes to Jesus accepting his grace, trusting in his word and drawing closer to God.
Throughout any given week there are times set aside for getting to know more about God and his purposes for us. We gather together for worship services where we sing praises to the Lord, share impressions and prayers, and just bask in the goodness of his presence. We have regularly scheduled times for bible studies where we look into God's word and speak encouragement into each others lives. Three times a week we go to the drag in Austin to share the love of Jesus with others on the street, developing a better understanding of the Lord's character by being a blessing to others.
There is also much practical work to be done here on the "LIFEHOUSE" property. Weather it's grounds keeping, cleaning, building or vehicle maintenance, there seems to always be something to do. Regardless of the current project the atmosphere is consistently inviting me to share the time with God. Some projects also provide a sense of accomplishment and wonder in God's presence (such as raising a thirty foot cross made of telephone poles).


Within this "LIFE Training" program I have found myself inspired to open my heart to God in new ways. I have learned to respect God's decrees in my life, realizing that they are not for his benefit, they are what is good for my life. The staff takes a genuine interest in my soul searching, guiding me as to what the bible has to say about my life issues. They also help me take practical steps toward recovery from my life's brokenness. I have experienced miraculous healing and growth through the presence of Jesus in my life and have witnessed the power of evoking his name in times of need.
To be honest I still don't really know what it is that I'm doing, but I am sure that it is a whole lot closer to what God want's from me, than whatever it is that I was doing a year ago. I know that if I am to experience true peace in my life, I will have to continue to develop my faith. Faith that God has a plan for me. Faith that God loves me. Faith that God is on my side (that I am on Gods side). Faith that I understand God's will and faith that somehow this is all a good thing. I am very thankful for Jesus' presence in my life and look forward to growing in his grace and knowledge."

-Chris