The moment that reshaped John’s life
The first snowfall of December always reminded John of hope, even when life felt far from it. That first Christmas during his year-long discipleship program at PAATC was one of the most humbling moments of his life.
He didn’t have the money to buy gifts for his son, and the thought of showing up empty-handed filled him with sadness. His roommate at the time, seeing his heart and understanding the situation, purchased gifts for his son, showing him that even in his brokenness, he was not forgotten. That small act of kindness became a beacon of hope for John, a sign that change and restoration were possible.
But before he could reach that Christmas, he had to face the path that brought him here. Growing up, John excelled in soccer, playing professionally in his 20s. After a tragic accident landed him in surgery, he was prescribed painkillers. This quickly morphed into a full blown addiction that landed him in jail.
After a 28-day court-mandated program, he was back on the streets for 12 days, actively using.
He felt like he had failed at life, with no money, no family, and unable to see his child. It was rock bottom, and for the first time, he knew he had to figure out a way to change his life.
One thought he couldn’t escape during that time was the memory of growing up without a father—an experience he was determined his own son would never have to endure.
His love for his son ultimately brought him back to PAATC, where a caring staff member encouraged him to commit to the full year-long discipleship program.
During this vulnerable season, someone at PAATC referred to him as family. “I was completely alone, ” John remembers. “When he said that I was family, that actually made me feel really good. Like, I sensed the authenticity in his words. It wasn’t fake. I was used to having fake people around because of drugs. But at PAATC, I had people who truly cared about me.”
That moment stayed with him and became a foundation for rebuilding not just his life, but his faith. Still, there were days when John struggled deeply.
One afternoon in the middle of summer, when the heat hung heavy over the Cheswick campus, he reached a breaking point. There were no clouds in the sky, no breeze in the air, and no relief from the weight he felt inside. John stepped outside and prayed, asking God to show him if he was truly meant to stay and continue this path. In that exact moment, a powerful gust of wind swept across the campus, cutting through the stillness. For John, it felt like an unmistakable sign that God saw him, heard him, and wanted him to keep going.
Faith became the anchor that guided John through the process of change. He often reflected on 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ” That verse reminded him that God sees the heart and offers restoration when we turn toward Him.
Slowly, John started to find gratitude for the mother of his child, who had protected their son through everything. Despite their past struggles, he realized how much her care had preserved their child’s life and safety. Although it hurt him to be away from his son while he was actively using, once he committed to changing his life, the mother of his child did not miss a single Family Day. That gratitude strengthened his resolve to become the father he had once feared he could never be.
Over time, John’s restoration extended beyond PAATC. The uncle and family he had in Pittsburgh, who had distanced themselves during his years of struggle, began welcoming him back after seven long years. Slowly, relationships that once felt broken began to heal, giving him a sense of belonging and a renewed family connection he thought he had lost forever.
Today, John is a youth pastor and full time staff member at the Western PA campus.
For John, the brotherhood and family he made during his time at PAATC was more than a gift. It was a symbol of hope, connection, and God’s grace. The combination of guidance, love, and faith allowed him to step into a future he once thought impossible, a future where reconciliation, family, and purpose coexist with the lessons he had learned from his past.
Today, John’s life is a reflection of redemption. He has reconnected with his faith and family, and is committed to being the best father he can be to his son. His story is one of many that your generosity makes possible, during the Christmas season and all year long. Because of you, men and women who once felt unworthy now know that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God.
Stories like John’s are only possible because friends like you step forward in generosity.
Your gift can change a life.
By donating to our scholarship fund, you help individuals access the recovery support they need but may not be able to afford. Together, we can offer hope, healing, and a chance for a brighter future. Every contribution makes a difference—thank you for being part of their recovery story.
