Set Free: A Story of Truth, Redemption, and Mercy

AFTER DARKNESS LIGHT
Dear Partners and Friends,

I want to share a testimony that demonstrates the life-changing impact of your generosity—one that proves transformation is possible, even in the darkest circumstances.

Five months ago, a young man in our program called me, his voice filled with panic. His mother—who had battled drug addiction for most of her life—had been arrested at the Mexican border. Law enforcement had found 100 pounds of methamphetamine in her vehicle.

His first question to me was, “Is there anything we can do?”
I told him, “I don’t know, but I know Someone who can.”

We stopped everything and prayed, asking God to intervene—to provide a way for her to be released on bond so she could get clean, find healing, and rebuild her life in our program.

God Answered.

Bail was granted, but there was still one major obstacle: the cost. Then came another miracle—her son, who had worked hard and saved every dollar he could while in our program, had enough to post her bond himself. The judge agreed to release her to Kathy’s House.

That was only the beginning.

Sandra entered our women’s program, but she initially denied any knowledge of the drugs in her vehicle. We stood with her in prayer, asking for justice and truth.

Then, just weeks into the program, Sandra had a real encounter with Jesus. The transformation was undeniable. One day, she asked to meet with her leaders. Sitting across from us, tears in her eyes, she confessed: “I’ve been lying. I knew the drugs were there.”

She felt convicted to take full responsibility—regardless of the consequences. She called her attorney and told him she wanted to go back to federal court and change her plea to guilty.

This decision could have cost her over 21 years in federal prison.

But she was determined to walk in truth.

We drove her to the courthouse, and she stood before the judge, fully prepared to accept her fate. But something remarkable happened—when she walked out of that courtroom, she wasn’t filled with fear or despair. She was free—not in the physical sense, but in the deepest way possible.

She had surrendered everything to Jesus, and for the first time in her life, she felt true peace.

Sandra’s transformation was undeniable—not just to us, but to her family, to the court, and to everyone who witnessed it.

Then came sentencing day:
February 14th—Valentine’s Day.

The government’s offer was 110 months in federal prison.

We submitted a video sharing Sandra’s journey and requesting mercy. A group of seven of us—including Sandra’s son and daughter—drove down to support her. We sat in the front row, praying for a miracle.

Then, the unexpected happened.

The judge looked at Sandra and said something about her case had caused him to review it three times. He had studied her past—her childhood trauma, her struggles, the choices that led her here—and he had watched the video we sent.

Sandra stood before the court and spoke with a boldness only God could give. She told the judge: "Whether you release me today or sentence me to prison, I have everything I need in Jesus. I know I’m going to be okay."

There was silence.

Then the judge and the U.S. prosecuting attorney agreed: Sandra’s transformation was real.

In that moment, mercy triumphed over judgment.

The court ruled that Sandra had suffered enough. Instead of sending her to prison, they allowed her to remain with her Kathy’s House family and complete her one-year commitment. No jail time.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

God moves the judge’s heart for a miracle for Sandra1

This is what your support makes possible.

But Sandra is just one story. Every day, there are more people just like her—sons and daughters we have to turn away because we don’t have the resources to take them in.

You can change that.

With your support, we can welcome more people like Sandra. We can provide a place of hope and transformation. We can help families heal.

Will you join us?

• Give today. Every dollar helps us say yes to another life in need.

• Volunteer. Your time could be the encouragement someone desperately needs.

• Pray for us. Ask God to send us those who are lost and hurting so they, too, can encounter His love.

Together, we are changing lives. Together, we are rewriting stories. Together, we are proving that no one is beyond redemption.

Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for making miracles happen.