Hope Inspired Ministries graduate shares story of life transformation
Hope Inspired Ministries proudly sent off its latest graduating class April 10. During the ceremony, those graduates shared how they had experienced life transformation because of their participation in the program.
Hope Inspired Ministries seeks to serve the chronically unemployed by preparing them to obtain and maintain employment, and aims to do so in a manner that develops individual worth, encourages personal responsibility, and promotes the value and honor of work. Each student will be guided in the achievement of their chosen career through specialized classroom and on-the-job training. The ministry’s intent is to introduce a way of life that promotes the development of the emotional, physical, and spiritual maturity in each student.
As in the past, HIM has shared students’ graduation speeches to allow those unable to attend the graduation to share in the successes of their students.
We are happy to share these students’ stories here on the blog. Learn more about HIM graduate Michael Pettway below, and check back later in the week for more inspiring stories.
Michael Pettway
“Before I came to Hope Inspired Ministries, I was in a very dark place I didn’t believe in myself. I didn’t believe that I could accomplish anything. I had a very controlling marijuana problem. I couldn’t get the jobs I really wanted or deserved because I couldn’t pass drug tests. But today after coming to Hope Inspired Ministries, I can truly say I believe in myself. I know now that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, but what I really learned here is to look deep into myself and work on my character flaws.
Now these days I’ve learned to think positively about any and all situations. I can pass a drug test now and that makes me feel so very proud of myself. Now I’m on the right path in my life; I can look toward my future in a positive light. I can see myself owning my own home someday. I can visualize myself in a rewarding career. I can also envision myself with a bank account.
I have enjoyed the learning experience of my internship at ADECA and appreciate my superiors Mr. Freddy Fox and Mr. Jeff Van Gilder and all of the wisdom they shared with me. For me, this class has been life changing. I had an interview for a really great job at Progress Rail Service on Monday. They called me back on Tuesday and offered me the job. I start April 21!
But none of this would have been possible if not for my wife Anita Yvette. She has always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself; she never gave up on me and she paid all the bills while I was in this course. To her I’m truly grateful. I always have and will always love you.
To my instructors Ms. Leanne, even though we butted heads twice you gave me a chance and didn’t put me out of the program and to that I’m truly grateful. To Mr. Michael, I want to thank you for allowing me to enter Hope Inspired Ministries and to Mrs. Ashton, and Ms. Barbara thank you for your kind, encouraging words. Thanks to the lunch providers and our teachers, like Ms. Brenda, who helped us with math. I also would like to say thank you to Mr. Wayne Hilgers, my mentor, for all your help and encouragement. To my fellow classmates, good luck on your future endeavors and God bless each and every one of you. Thank you.”