Before coming to Hope Inspired Ministries, Dewayne had no sense of what a life with God looked like. He had just been released from prison, was homeless, and had nowhere to turn. His past consisted of drugs, alcohol, and a lifestyle of crime. However, Dewayne desired a new mindset and a renewed life with God. In January of 2021, Dewayne met a man who would end up being his spiritual mentor, Nate Brown, and was introduced to Hope Inspired Ministries.
Dewayne recalls the week he met Nate, stating, “One night that week, I was a lost sheep, in the cold, homeless, and sleeping by the McWane Center. The cold was unbearable! It was one of those nights that was the coldest we’ve had this year. I was so cold that I couldn’t think straight, much less sleep. It was so cold it hurt. I couldn’t stop shivering or relax enough to go to sleep. Yet, for the first time in my life, I spoke to God. I told God that I knew if I called on Him for comfort, He would be my comforter. I’m glad to say that He touched me that night with comfort, warmth, and sleep.”
It was then that Dewayne’s renewed life began, and God’s blueprint for his life started to reveal itself. The very next day was his first day at Hope Inspired Ministries.
Through Hope Inspired Ministries, Dewayne learned that God has a purpose and vision for his life. Additionally, he learned character building and behavior modification skills, how to fill out a job application, and what to expect in a job interview.
Dewayne also gained invaluable wisdom from our volunteers who serve as guest speakers and mentors. Dewayne’s mentor showed him unconditional love and reminded him that our past does not define our future. One guest speaker, in particular, gave Dewayne an immense amount of hope. He says, “Brother Matt Bostic gave us a powerful illustration of the importance of guarding our heart at all costs and to constantly ask God to open the eyes of my heart. I learned through Christ Jesus who strengthens me, I have the courage to walk the straight path of God’s inheritance.”
Dewayne is so appreciative to all of the volunteers and staff members at Hope Inspired Ministries. During the program, he received glasses and was able to obtain his driver’s license. He is currently working in construction and considers his H.I.M. classmates as family.
Dewayne says, “Some may ask, how can a person with my past testify that God answers and finds his lost sheep? The answer is because I was a lost sheep. I pray that if the day comes where I come across a lost sheep, I can lead him/her back to our wonderful Father.”
Watch Dewayne share his story here.