Hello, my name is Joshua Walker. I am a Full Counselor here at Sonrise Mission. Growing up wasn't abnormal, well at least in my eyes nowadays. From what I remember, my Dad was always there. Both my parents played a very important role in my life, and I looked up to both of them. I was also a brother, I still am, however, he's no longer with me and neither is my Father. I'd say it all started in middle school,, I began to smoke weed and would occasionally drink. That rolled over into high school. I began to get in trouble, however the mentality I had I didn't let it faze my way of living. I continued doing what I wanted and began selling drugs and supporting my habit. I remember it like it was yesterday. I got picked up by my Father after being suspended from school. He said, 'you know what Josh, sometimes I wish I was dead' Turns out God decided to take him and grant his wish because he suffered a hear attack in his sleep. That hit me hard. I started drinking more and experiencing with other drugs and selling them as well.

I met the Mother of my child, slowed down a bit, but ended up getting into trouble. Long story short, I went to jail, got out, and now separated. I choose to life the live style I was used too, I moved in with my brother. My brother was always there for me regardless of what he came to. Even throughout my mess, only thing was, he was addicted to the life style and what came with it.  He was older, so I kinda followed his ways, but I tried to do better because from my perspective, I felt like he was doing it all wrong. I didn't realize there was no right way to do wrong. But in that lifestyle, as long as you don't get caught, your doing good.

I began using opiates and really lost it. I overdosed several times, however it didn't bother me, I kept going. I remember calling out to God. I wanted it to stop. I wanted to get my life together, asking him when am I gonna hit rock bottom. Then I got arrested. I guess I had a warrant . I went to court and got sentenced to Sonrise Mission.

I never really had a relationship with the Lord until I got here. It took time to adjust, but in due time I realized the work God can do. 6 months into the program I received horrible news, my brother had been stabbed and was in ICU. They brought me down to see him, I didn't think it would be my last time, but they pronounced him brain dead the following day. I didn't know how to take it, I said I was ok, but I wasn't.. I got a chance to go out and ended up coming back and overdosed on property. Back-sliding, I got set back in the program. I have regained my relationship with son and his mother, my Aunt and Uncle, and have the trust of my Mother and a closer relationship with the Lord. I am now the Dean of Counselors here at Sonrise Mission and take care of the Junior Staff needs, as well as counsel them. 

All Glory be to God for the good things He has done. Faith shouldn't come from ones testimony, but through the Lord Himself.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fires, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you". Isaiah 43: 2

"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome". Jeremiah 29:11