Brandi was in jail serving time for a drug offense when she decided to attend a Bible study for inmates. It was there that Brandi received Jesus Christ. While praying, she realized that she was praying to a God in whom she had never put her faith. She fell to her knees and cried out for His mercy and forgiveness. Brandi was baptized by a pastor from Central City in a horse trough brought into the recreation center of the jail. This was the beginning of a new life for Brandi.
A volunteer at the Bible study she was attending knew about the ministry of the Living Water Rescue Mission and brought a Healing Heart Discipleship Program brochure for Brandi to consider. Brandi told her attorney about the program and he asked the judge if she could be released to the mission.
After coming to the mission, Brandi began a new journey of faith. A pivotal point in her program was when she received divorce papers from her husband whom she had been led to believe was ready to reconcile with her. She was in a heap on the floor and our Discipleship Director, LaVerna, sat on the floor holding her and rocking her like a baby. She told Brandi that she is not alone, we will not leave her, and we will love her through this. Brandi received these words as though they were from Jesus.
Matthew 10:28
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish,
and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Brandi was at the mission for 14 months and graduated on March 10th of 2018. Brandi’s life has been transformed from one of self destruction to one of purpose and hope for a future. Relationships are being reconciled and she often has her grandchildren for the weekend; something she never thought would happen. Brandi serves as evening staff at the mission helping with the evening duties while encouraging and teaching others. She enjoys fellowship at her church where she was not judged, but was received with open arms and vulnerability, regardless of her past.
When asked what she is most thankful for, Brandi said; John 3:16, “my salvation.”
