MY  STORY:

Connect Your Story to God’s Story

Your story matters at Compass Church. No matter where you’ve been, you belong here, and your journey is part of God’s bigger story. If you feel moved or want to talk with someone, we’re here for you.

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Addiction, Gangs,  & Second Chances

(Chianne) I’m not sure where to begin, except to say that my life has been a wild ride—one I never could have survived without God showing up when I least expected it.

I grew up all over California, but spent most of my years in Yakima, Washington. My story took a hard turn early on: I started using drugs at just 11 years old. Addiction had its grip on me from the time I was barely out of childhood until I was 24. That kind of struggle brings its own set of heartbreaks. I have three older children who were adopted out, and losing them was a pain I can’t fully describe.

(Juan) I was born in Monterey, but once I got old enough, I ran with the wrong crowd. School didn’t interest me; gangs, drugs, and trouble did. I ended up getting shot—shattered my femur and hit an artery. That was a wake-up call, but I still hadn’t hit bottom.

(Chianne) Somewhere along the way, I met my partner. We were both in other relationships that were clearly not meant to last. Soon enough, we found ourselves together and expecting a daughter. But the life we were living in Yakima wasn’t one we wanted for our child. So, we packed what little we had into a car, drove as far as we could, panhandled for gas and food, and eventually landed in Salinas.

We were picked up by the police. And honestly? That turned out to be one of the biggest blessings of my life. Getting arrested gave us the break we needed—a chance to get clear-headed, to start over, and, looking back, a moment where God finally got a hold of us.

We started going to church, walking from one side of town to the other just to be there. In 2016, we found Compass Church. But even after getting saved—even after people told me, “That old you is dead and gone”—it didn’t always feel that way. The old me kept trying to crawl back, whispering, “You’re not going to get through this. Remember what you did? Remember who you were?” But then I’d remember: God’s got my back.

(Juan) Before all this, I’d never had a relationship with God. Never opened a Bible. Never been to church. But when I centered my life in that men’s home, when people prayed over me and laid hands on me, I just broke down and cried. God met me there in my brokenness.

(Chianne) God has brought us from the depths of despair. I’m so grateful He’s making good on His promises. We’ve had to keep our eyes up, and it hasn’t always been easy. But I’m thankful for what God has done, and I’m ready for whatever steps He has for us next.

(Juan) If you’re reading this and feel like there’s no way out, just give God a chance. Really. There’s nothing to lose and so much to gain. If He can redeem my story, He can do it for you too.