Carinda Raftery

My name is Carinda Raftery and I am 35 years old. Before coming to the Mission, I was living a reckless, rebellious life. I was using any drugs I could find and experience 2 years of homelessness. My life was a mess, but by my own choice. I wanted to be in control of my life and ended up under sin’s control, and in and out of rehabs.

I came to the Mission March 18th, 2022 and decided after a lot of convincing, I would try it out for maybe 2 weeks. Well, it has been over 14 months now and I realize how much life I was actually missing out on. God has made me a new creature and changed me. God has rescued me from the pit of despair I was in and pulled me out of the darkness to see the light I should be living in. Instead of me being in control, I surrendered all control to Him.

The Mission has helped me recognize that God has always been there, trying to save me. But I had to be willing to let God in. I have experienced the love that I thought only my family could give. I have continued to submit to the Lord and look forward to what he will do next. I am learning to trust His plans for a bright future!