“I’m a new person in Christ.”
Rudy was the oldest of his siblings. His parents were just kids themselves when they became parents – his mom was 15 and his dad was 17. They did their best to raise Rudy, but when the family split, Rudy was left to fend for himself.
“I grew up too fast,” he says. “I was taking care of myself in high school. I had a job, a car and money. I was my own guardian.”
With complete freedom at such a young age, Rudy fell into a partying lifestyle. He started drinking and was introduced to drugs – which was his downfall. He lost his apartment and his job. Then, his partner got pregnant with a baby girl. All of a sudden, Rudy realized he was going to be responsible for someone other than himself.
“My daughter deserves more than the life I was living,” he says. “I thought I was grown up – but I wish I’d slowed down and taken school seriously. I didn’t even have a place to call my own.”
Rudy was determined to give his daughter stability and a home. But he needed a fresh start – which he found at The Mission at Kern County.
“I never thought I was good enough for love.”
In our Christian Life Training Discipleship Program, Rudy rediscovered his self-worth. Through counseling and classes, he grew mentally and emotionally, and he gained life skills to prepare him for his future. He also developed a relationship with Jesus.
As part of the program, Rudy thrived in his volunteer assignments – helping in the kitchen, sorting clothing donations and doing outreach to people still on the streets. He discovered a love for helping others, and it restored his self-worth.
“The Mission taught me how to be a good man and a good father. I’m a new person in Christ.”
This Christmas, Rudy is experiencing the gifts of peace and hope for a brighter future. Thank you for sharing the blessings of God’s love with him! “I want to give back… to be there for someone like the Mission was here for me.”
Read the full Holiday 2025 Newsletter here.