What shapes a person’s life more: where they begin or how they rise above their circumstances? Meet Paul Heflin, whose extraordinary journey started in a Vietnamese orphanage during the Vietnam War. Rescued through Operation Babylift and adopted into a loving family in South Carolina, Paul’s early life was marked by both profound love and heartbreaking tragedy. As he recounts his mother fiercely defending their familial bond and the shattering loss of two siblings in a train accident, you're invited to explore the intricacies of adoption, loss, and the enduring power of familial love.

Transitioning from a sheltered upbringing to confronting the harsh realities of homelessness after incarceration, Paul found solace and a renewed purpose at Gateway Rescue Mission. This episode hears Paul’s honest reflection on his struggles with low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts, and his transformative journey at Gateway. Embracing his spiritual gifts and the newfound hope in his path, Paul’s story is a testament to resilience and faith. Discover how he rebuilds his life, guided by a sense of divine purpose, and what each of us can learn about service and spiritual growth from his experiences.

Faith and healing come together as we welcome Catherine Harold, or as the men at Gateway Rescue Mission lovingly call her, Ms. Catherine. Join us to learn how she supports men through the toughest battles with addiction, using innovative methods like the "feeling wheel" and the power of prayer. Her holistic approach considers not just addiction, but also the co-occurring mental health challenges and the deep-seated trauma that many of these men have faced, providing a safe space for them to express and heal.

When Brad Hancock first walked through the doors of the Gateway Rescue Mission's New Life Program, he was desperate for a change. Now a staff member, Brad joins me, Rex Baker, to share powerful insights from his own experiences and those of others who have faced the immense challenges of addiction recovery. Together, we explore the crucial first week in the program, a period that can set the tone for someone’s journey towards a life free from addiction. Brad's firsthand accounts provide a window into the behaviors and mindsets that reveal a person’s true readiness for transformation.

Withdrawals from substances like opiates and crystal meth are brutal, and Brad and I don't shy away from discussing their harsh realities. Listeners will gain an understanding of how these drugs physically and mentally trap individuals in a vicious cycle of addiction. We recount encounters with individuals right at the edge, their bodies and minds battered by exhaustion and paranoia. The outreach efforts by the Gateway Rescue Mission offer a lifeline, stepping in when hope seems lost and providing the critical support needed to start anew.

The conversation then shifts to the broader challenges of addiction recovery programs, with a particular focus on alcohol addiction. Misconceptions about short-term rehab are confronted head-on as Brad and I champion the benefits of longer, faith-based programs. These initiatives not only address the physical aspects of addiction but also nourish the soul, offering a path to sustainable recovery through community and spiritual growth. As we close, we reflect on the hope found in the gospel, offering listeners a message of peace and grace—a testament to the spiritual foundation underpinning our mission at the Gateway Rescue Mission.

After years of searching for a meaningful way to address addiction recovery and homelessness, we've rebranded our podcast to More Than a Shelter to better embody the mission of Gateway Rescue Mission. Today, we promise to guide you through our New Life program's unique approach, blending traditional 12-step methods with biblical principles. Joined by Forea Ford, our insightful Director of Programs, we unpack the daunting challenges participants face, such as co-occurring mental health disorders and the scars of childhood trauma. We also emphasize the critical role of faith, not just in personal transformation, but as a foundation for enduring recovery.

For more information about Gateway Rescue Mission, visit us online at https://gatewaymission.org/

When Brad Hancock joined me, Rex Baker, at Gateway Rescue Mission, we embarked on a candid exploration of the ravages of crystal meth and fentanyl—demons he knows all too well. Our exchange cuts deep into how these substances ensnare the vulnerable, from the soaring highs to the tragic lows. Brad's firsthand account paints a vivid image of the health crises faced by users: sleepless nights, nutritional neglect, and haunting hallucinations. As we uncover the telltale signs of addiction bleeding into our communities, this episode stands as a beacon for awareness and understanding of this devastating epidemic.

When James Harris, once known as Bear, speaks of his journey from the depths of Aryan Brotherhood enforcer to beacon of hope and faith, it's impossible not to feel the weight of his transformation. His story is one not just of change, but of rebirth, echoing through the corridors of Mississippi's toughest prisons to the peaceful embrace of a church community.

Today, James stands as a testament to the redemptive power of spiritual awakening and community support. Behind the scars lies a man dedicated to spreading hope within the same walls that once defined his existence. The Parkway Church community's support, along with Gateway Rescue Mission and Catholic Services, provided not just essentials and housing, but laid the foundation for a life rebuilt on faith. Through his narrative, we're reminded of the profound strength of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of a second chance. Join us as James Harris shares the raw and real moments that forged his path from darkness to light, and how his "mess" became a powerful message of redemption.

We promise an episode that goes beyond the surface, delving into the complexities of the legal system, but in an inspiring and uplifting way. Can you imagine a public defender persuading a house owner to drop charges or a District Attorney having a last-minute change of heart? That’s just a glimpse into Andre's riveting tale. But it's not all about the trials and tribulations. We also celebrate how Andre, through his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and the incredible support of Gateway Rescue Mission, was able to transform his life and become a beacon of hope for his community. So tune in, and embark on this journey of redemption and renewal, where faith, hope, and the power of transformation take center stage.

Welcome to "God After Dark." In this episode, Rex Baker sits down with Gerald Snell, the overnight shelter manager for Gateway Rescue Mission, who offers us a glimpse into the diverse struggles and triumphs of the homeless population Gateway serves.

Gerald shares poignant accounts of individuals, each with unique backgrounds and challenges, from mental illness to substance abuse, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. He sheds light on the profound impact of Gateway's support, providing shelter, nourishment, and hope to those in need.

Tune in to hear firsthand experiences, from heart-wrenching moments to heartwarming transformations, as Gerald navigates the complexities of this vital mission. Gain insight into the complexities of homelessness and discover how faith, love, and resilience continue to light the way for those in search of hope.

Join us on this compelling journey, and together, let's find inspiration in the strength and perseverance of these individuals as they forge a path toward brighter tomorrows. Don't miss this episode of "God After Dark" - where faith shines in the darkest hours.