Larry's Story

Thank you for a place to serve God.

My name is Larry. For years I held pain and anger in my life which I tried to deal with by abusing drugs and alcohol. One thing that hurt me is that I never knew who my father was – even at my mother’s deathbed.

Many years ago, I came to Albany to enter a recovery program and half-way house. I achieved and maintained sobriety, and even began working as an assistant to a drug addiction counselor. But I became overwhelmed. I attended AA meetings, but as soon as the meeting was over, I was ready for a drink. Every counselor needs a counselor and I knew that something or someone was missing in my life. I found another job, but had to leave my home and move to a hotel, which I couldn’t afford.

Soon I was homeless. I thought, “I will go to the Rescue Mission until I can save enough money to afford an apartment.” After 30 days of shelter, I realized I needed more time and joined the Mission’s Volunteer Extension team. One night in chapel, the speaker’s words touched my heart. He talked about surrendering our lives to Christ. That was what I wanted to do. That night I accepted Christ as my Savior.

I became a staff member quickly. But, when stress and pain faced me, I relapsed. As soon as I snorted the cocaine, I regretted it and threw the rest away. I asked God to forgive me and returned to the Mission to confess my drug use. My desires had changed. The staff recommended I join the Rescue Mission’s New Life Program. I agreed because I wanted to build my relationship with Christ and I wanted to know the Bible better.

My doubts were addressed when I began focusing on God’s promises. God’s word assures me that God does love me, so much so that Jesus suffered and died for all my sins. I better understand John 3:16. It has become my life’s verse. “For God so loved the world (me) that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

I returned as a staff member, first as a Resident Assistant then as a shift supervisor. In 2012 I was asked to be an interim director of the Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission. It was out of my comfort zone, but for about a year I did a little bit of everything to serve the homeless in Nashua.

Today, I am the Intake Coordinator at Capital City Rescue Mission. I love helping shelter guests and encourage them to join our New Life Program, VE team or help them find housing and other services.

I realize I am still learning and a work in progress. When I’m reminded of past hurts I know now to turn to God and trust in Him rather than turning to drugs to or alcohol. It helps to be in a community of other men and women with the same goals.

I will be 60 in December and this is the longest I have been in any job. I know it’s because I love what I’m doing.

I am very thankful for the Rescue Mission. I would have destroyed my life without the support, teaching and love I have received here. God has provided truly wonderful friends and a new family. Thank you for a place where I could get to know God and can serve Him by serving others.


"I would have destroyed my life without the Rescue Mission."

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