David was abandoned by his birth parents before he could walk, which led to a life in the foster care system, feeling broken and unloved. He was adopted by an unstable family that raised him in an environment of abuse and emotional neglect. Longing for family, David became involved with a violent gang. The stable life he desired now became a path of crime, violence, and drug addiction.

This dangerous path found David living among other homeless people along the Santa Ana Riverbed.  It was there that he met a kind couple that had a ministry washing laundry for homeless people.  After months of encouragement from this couple, David decided to come to the Rescue Mission, where he was given the opportunity to join the Double R Ranch program.

Living at the Double R Ranch, David is glad to experience the beauty of connecting with God’s creation in nature. He excels in every responsibility given to him, doing the hard work of caring for livestock and maintaining the Ranch property. One day while caring for the horses, David dropped to his knees in tears, thanking the Lord for this place of renewal.

David shares, “[Before] I was afraid to change. But when I came to the Rescue Mission, I didn’t just come to know God, I knew God was changing my perspective on life.”

Double R Ranch has given David a new chance at life. He is now completing an equestrian internship, helping him to further develop his ability to take on challenges and learn new skills. Next he will transition into the employment phase of the program.

“The appreciation for honest, hard work that I have learned while at Double R Ranch has made me a better man. I no longer live in fear or darkness. I live in the light that I see every day coming up over the rolling hills. I take every moment in gratitude; it’s not about me anymore. It’s about Jesus Christ and a new life in Him.”