My name is William. I was born and raised in California. I was diagnosed as bi-polar at the age of 11, and my parents tried to provide help, but not much was available. I was in special classes and I became very lonely and isolated as a child.

Emotionally, I was often fearful and had panic attacks. I struggled and many times made poor decisions. I coped by self-medicating and abusing drugs. However, I was able to attend culinary arts school, earn a degree, and work.

At age 36 I left CA and moved to Buffalo, where I landed a great job as a chef. I married, had children and earned a big salary. But I continued making poor decisions; financially, with drug use, and with my children. Life was no better with money than without.

The breaking point came in 2004 when my father, who was my best friend, died. At the same time I went through a horrific divorce from my wife.

My life took a nose-dive and spiraled down hill fast. No one could trust me. Every relationship was broken; with my mother, my children, and my friends. I left home, abandoned my children and job and returned to California.

While there I entered a recovery program and began a life of sobriety. In 2012, I moved back to Albany to live with a friend, but it didn’t work out and I had to leave.

Now, I was hungry and homeless, at rock bottom emotionally, and walking through the doors of Capital City Rescue Mission. I was in a dark place without hope.

Right away, I knew something was different at the Rescue Mission. As I sat in the chapel services I began to understand Jesus wanted me to surrender my whole life to Him. I knew living my way was not working.

Because of Christ’s awesome death for my sins, and His resurrection, I know He loves me. One night I turned and opened my heart to Him.

As part of the Volunteer Extension team I began helping in the clothing center. The Nurse Practitioner at the Mission’s Free Clinic helped me tremendously with medication so I could wake up without panic.

I began growing in Christ. I have a personal relationship with Him. I talk to Him all the time. He has changed everything. In the past I wasn’t trustworthy. Today I can be trusted.

The Mission enabled me to get my drivers license back and I began volunteering as a van driver. For the past five years, I have been working as a full time van driver for the Rescue Mission.

My ex-wife and I have become friends. My children and I have a good relationship. My mother is proud of me. It’s all because of Christ’s life in me.

Recently, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. I thought, “How am I going to do this?” But God made it doable by giving me strength to go through treatments and to keep working.

He has been teaching me faith and patience. I’ve had to wait for doctors and wait for treatments. I do have more patience now!

God has blessed me abundantly with many opportunities. I am grateful to be able to serve Him. Thank you for your part in rescuing my life.