Current Stories & Testimonies
Guest Stories
June 2025
John 2.0
At Klamath Falls Gospel Mission, we take joy in what God does through our ministry to reach the community and change lives. Our primary goal is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone who seeks our services. Our secondary goal is to develop potential within our guests to become productive members of our community.
John is an outstanding example of this. He came to KFGM to get his life on track after a life-long struggle with drugs; he began using at age 8 and selling by age 12, his families use and manufacture of methamphetamine go back to his earliest childhood memories. John’s patriotic but lawless, biker family values defined his adult life. After some time in our shelter, John joined the Discipleship Program, where the Holy Spirit literally transformed him. John’s exceptional work in our Program, was so inspirational that he was soon asked to share his testimony of what the Gospel Mission had done for him with volunteers and then at the church he attends with KFGM’s Chaplain.
John became a servant at KFGM. He has a passion for cooking, primarily BBQ, so after graduation he started volunteering in our kitchen as a way to show gratitude. Before long John was offered a part-time position as a cook through Easterseals. Any time he is able, John delights the public with BBQ specialties, (we love BBQ at the Mission), but he is also masterful at combining leftovers into flavorful creations. He says it brings him joy to be able to feed the community a tasty, home cooked meal.
John developed a passionate love for the Lord; he wanted to share the hope he has with our other guests. After a year of mentorship with one of our Chaplains, John felt called to teach, and is now a teacher in our Discipleship Program, sharing Gospel truth from the perspective of one who once got a “hand up” from the Mission. John’s desire for the Word and compassion for students makes an indelible impression on everyone attending his class.
The Lord blessed John in bringing him to Klamath Falls Gospel Mission. God will bless those who trust in Him. Lives are transformed and there is hope at Klamath Falls Gospel Mission.
“. . . and from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
Ephesians 1:3.
April 2025
SAVING STEPANIE
It was another one of those “after hours” urgent calls. A caseworker from DHS Child Welfare contacted Tisha, Berry House, Women and Children’s Shelter Director, regarding a mom and two children in crisis. The kids were temporarily placed in foster care, while the mom was at the hospital after an extremely violent incident. They were all victims of a tremendously abusive situation.
Stephanie, the mom, once owned and operated a successful business as a dog trainer on the east coast when she decided she and her children’s father should reunite for the sake of the children. Within months of moving her to Oregon, he squandered all of her finances and proceeded to trap Stephanie and the children in a remote Bly Mtn. location. Stephanie gradually discovered the gravity of his mental health state, but by then she was isolated and alone on the mountain with no cell phone or finances. Stephanie set her focus on simply surviving.
Finally, her six-year-old son made a report at school that prompted Child Welfare and police to come to the home to investigate. Her abuser responded by barricading them in, using her three-year-old as a human shield; parading around in his underwear with a gun at his waist, Stephanie and the children were held hostage at gun point without food for hours before he was arrested.
On leaving the hospital, an officer brought Stephanie to the Berry House. Stephanie spent Presidents’ Day weekend healing and decompressing from trauma. Berry House Supervisor, Tisha took Stephanie to court that Tuesday morning and assisted her with signing up for benefits. Stephanie’s children were returned to her the following day as restraining orders and safety measures were activated.
With the encouragement of Tisha, Stephanie soon gained the courage to contact family on the east coast and tell them what happened. Family immediately made arrangements to take Stephanie, her children and her dogs to a safe location.
As she left, Stephanie acknowledged God’s goodness in rescuing her and getting her to Berry House.
God used this incident in Stephanie’s life to reignite the relationship He wants with her; though this trauma will forever be a significant experience in her life, Stephanie reports the love, faith and kindness she was shown at Berry House left her with a warm and intense gratitude for Klamath Falls Gospel Mission.
II Timothy 4:18 “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen”
April 2025
JOHNA MEETS JESUS
Johna came to Klamath Falls Gospel Mission in June of 2024 for temporary shelter having suddenly found herself homeless for the first time in her life. Johna suffered from a broken family, legal issues, and concerning health problems. She originally intended to get a job, but worried she wouldn’t be able to keep up at a business due to progressing health issues.
Johna was very grateful for the help she received here, she worked hard to prove herself a responsible worker in the Mission kitchen, and quickly became our head breakfast cook. Johna was a blessing to the kitchen staff as she supervised breakfast for the next several months.
When she started getting mentoring by our Women’s Chaplain in July, Johna decided to accept the Lord as her personal Savior. Soon afterwards, she followed the Lord in public baptism as witnessed by staff, volunteers and other guests. What a beautiful day that was!
Johna’s health slowly began to decline, which worried us all. In December, she started the application process for Social Security Disability (SSD) and we all prayed she would be blessed with the help she needed. By God’s grace, Johna reconciled with family and relationships healed enough that she was invited to move in with them in January 2025.
We were so happy for Johna, but missed having her around the Mission, as she was among the sweetest and most helpful guests to have ever come to the Mission for rescue. We continue to keep in touch with Johna and she comes to eat with us periodically. We praise God for His faithfulness to rescue Johna both here on earth and eternally.
December 2024
TRANSFORMATION THROUGH ACCOUNTABILITY
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, declares the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11
When Adam got out of prison, he figured he would just pick up right where he left off with friends and family; misery loves company. Adam quickly realized that decision was heading him in the wrong direction for the life he wanted and dreamt about from prison. Adam was living in the Eugene mission when he heard about Klamath Falls Gospel Mission… He heard KFGM was different, they hold you accountable, help you stay clean, and if you want to break the cycle, that’s the place to go.
Many of the guests who come to stay with us could be considered “outcasts” of the community, people whose brokenness and addictions have controlled and ruined their lives. Several mission team members have overcome addiction by the grace of God, so they personally understand these struggles and what it takes to conquer them. Jesus spent much of his ministry among people society would call outcasts or, “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). At Klamath Falls Gospel Mission, we strive to empower our residents with the love and hope that each one of us have received from Him.
Adam was exposed to the Gospel at Klamath Falls Gospel Mission through our Devotions and Chapel services. The power of the Holy Spirit started to effect a change in his heart, and Adam met the Lord here. He joined his new Mission family at church every weekend and began working during the week.
In meeting with our Case Manager, every resident is required to develop a “game plan.” We discuss how they got here, where they are going, and how they will keep from coming this way again. We then hold them accountable to achieve their goals for self-sufficiency. After meeting with staff, Adam began working consistently, he was added to our Work Program, and encouraged to begin putting money aside for his future.
Adam developed a reputation at the Mission as honest and hard working. With this new identity and saved resources, Adam took the initiative to reach out to DHS to reestablish a relationship with his daughter whom he hadn’t seen since being locked up. He was finally able to fulfill his responsibility of providing for his daughter.
Adam is now working full time and living in a nice apartment - his life has been transformed by the truth of the Gospel. The road is closed to addiction, destruction, homelessness or return to prison by the grace of God. Like many of our residents, Adam still returns to the Mission weekly for chapel service. The day he left, Adam gave a huge hug to Matt, the Men’s Shelter Director, and thanked him for making him accountable in his recovery. As a recovered addict himself, Matt knows how hard it is to remain clean without someone to trust, someone to keep you accountable, and most importantly, the Holy Spirit.
By ourselves we can do nothing, but we can do all things with Jesus Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)
Adam waves on his way to a new life.
November 2024
SAVING SCOTT
When Scott came to Klamath Falls Gospel Mission, he was ready for change. Fresh out of prison, Scott needed a healthy environment to be held accountable and to thrive. He hit the ground running; a shining example of the transformation possible when God is put first. Scott represents the impact Klamath Falls Gospel Mission has on our community.
Scott’s first priority was getting back to God’s Word and church. He had made some mistakes and walked away from his relationship with Jesus, but he knew what was missing in his life. Along with KFGM daily Devotions and Chapel services, Scott began attending a local fellowship with friends he made at the Mission; together they started holding one other accountable.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”. – Proverbs 27:17
During his case review, Scott expressed his next goal was to obtain a job and save toward getting into his own place someday. Motivation was not lacking, so in no time Scott had a steady job. Supporters of the Mission often seek help from men and women staying with us; recognizing idle time was dangerous for him, Scott accepted any outside job he could find. This is when blessings started to pour in.
“A worker is worthy of his wages” – 1 Timothy 5:18
Scott’s gratitude for a fresh start radiated through his work ethic, and he found favor with everyone who employed him. After many weeks of back breaking work in the heat of summer, a Mission supporter gifted Scott with a car! Fighting back tears, Scott didn’t know how to process it, feeling unworthy of such a gift. Another Mission supporter was so delighted with Scott’s work, that she literally created work around her house to keep him working the entire summer. Meanwhile, Scott’s steady job recognized his potential and offered several promotions all the way into management. Through it all, Scott gave all the glory to God for his abundant blessings!
Scott’s been so extremely humble and grateful to KFGM for a chance to start over, that he has spent every free moment maintaining grounds around the Campus. KFGM property has never looked as good as it has this summer, rivaling any golf course! It’s bitter-sweet to encourage Scott to leave, but that’s what we’re called to do at Klamath Falls Gospel Mission.
Scott saved his money (as we require all residents to do), and when the right place presented itself, he moved into a newly remodeled studio apartment. But, in his appreciation for the Mission, Scott isn’t gone. Scott now volunteers as a House Manager every Saturday night so regular guys can have a night off, and he still stops by every week to run the riding lawn mower to maintain our property. Only God can radically transform a life while equally blessing both the changed and the change agent.
October 2024
BLESSED BELIEVERS BAPTISM
Mark 1:4. . . “proclaiming baptism as the mark of a complete change of heart and of the forgiveness of sins. . .” (JB Phillips)
On Thursday, August 29, Klamath Falls Gospel Mission celebrated a momentous occasion. Four daughters of the King followed the Lord in baptism, proclaiming a dedication to follow Jesus all the days of their lives. Each of these women came from brokenness, hopelessness and desperation, some came from the bonds of addiction to our “home of hope” to learn the life-giving truth about who they are in Christ.
Each learned of a Savior whose love for them drove Him to die for their sins. Each made a life changing decision to hope in Jesus and Him alone for salvation and to trust Him with their very lives.
Each woman made a proclamation of faith as she was submerged in baptism, then risen to new life in Christ. All were greeted by Mission staff and program residents with a warm welcome, wet hug, and the faithful fellowship of the saints.
Every day at the Mission is remarkable; the Lord is at work here in amazing ways, but not every day is this fulfilling. Witnessing these women submit to the Lord and “choose His life,” for their lives was sacred for all in attendance, and we thanked God for allowing us to participate in His work here. Thank you to everyone who volunteers, donates or prays for the men and women of Klamath Falls Gospel Mission. Because of your partnership, lives are forever changed and the Kingdom progresses.
September 2024
RESCUING ROBIN
“I know all the birds of the hills and all that moves in the field is mine.”
In 1976, Robin found Jesus in Burlington, NJ. Though she moved around a lot back then, Robin always found a way to serve the Lord. She ended up in Benicia, CA at age 18 where she was tragically struck by a truck. Robin woke up in the hospital 4 weeks later with Traumatic Brain Injury, many broken bones and internal injuries. She’s struggled with chronic pain since that time and “backslid” in her walk with the Lord. Substances to allay the pain began to control her. Robin was diagnosed with Lupus at age 27 and chronically homeless by 2016.
Robin first came to Klamath Falls Gospel Mission in 2017 when we were located on Walnut St. She didn’t stay long – our rules were a little much for her then and she had a boyfriend she hoped would “rescue” her.
In late 2022, Robin returned to KFGM, in extremely poor health, broken, dejected, and ready for change. Robin had married and divorced her boyfriend and was acutely aware she could not depend on anyone. Robin feared that God forgot about her, but desperately wanted to find her way back to Him.
Matt 10:29-31 “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your father . . . Fear not, . . . you are of more value than many sparrows.”
At Klamath Falls Gospel Mission, Robin connected with the mental, physical and spiritual support she so greatly needed. Robin soon entered our Discipleship Program where she rediscovered the only one she could depend on - the God who loves and gave himself for her. Robin became a valuable servant at the Women’s House as House Manager and Resident Assistant. She ultimately ended the destructive co-dependent cycle that had consumed her life.
In the late spring of 2023, Robin moved into her own apartment and began a job to support herself. Though her body still struggles with pain, Robin’s spirit is invincible. In 2024, Robin relocated to the Midwest where she continues to grow, love and serve the Lord. Robin’s rescue, recovery and renewal are testimony to the valuable work we do here at Klamath Falls Gospel Mission.
As CS Lewis famously said, “you have never talked to a mere mortal,” every soul God brings to us is a potential Robin – loved and remembered by God.
August 2024
A NEW DAY FOR ADAH
Adah Hoey was referred to Berry House through a member at Refuge City Church. Adah had just completed a treatment program in Redmond, OR after a long and difficult history with substances.
Adah moved back to Klamath Falls with the father of her child. When he produced a bag of meth and suggested they share it, Adah quickly left that house on foot with her baby in her arms. With no car seat or anything to support her, Adah turned to a church friend. She stayed for a couple days with this friend before coming to the Berry house.
At Berry House, Adah found support, accountability and encouragement in parenting, sobriety and her walk with Jesus. Adah has been clean for one year as of July 4. Her life has been radically changed. Adah has taken on the responsibilities of a relief supervisor at Berry House and is looking at the new potential of her life to not just raise her son, but work a job or career in a similar field.
A shattered woman is restored and Free by the transforming power the Holy Spirit. Adah thanks all of the people who support Klamath Falls Gospel Mission, though there are stories like this every day at KFGM, this one is Adah’s.
Colossians 3:10 “. . . and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
FREEDOM IN SURRENDER - John Kight
Everyone gave up on him, a regular fixture at Veteran’s Park, John relied on the sympathy of a compassionate community to sustain him, yet he was too prideful to ask for help.
John is a Vietnam Veteran, a hero, that lived a very hard life. Substance abuse and deep anger alienated him from civil society. John’s stubborn defiance was the root cause of his homelessness; a lifetime of burnt bridges, made him a bitter and resentful man.
Klamath Falls is a small and collaborative community. John successfully alienated himself with every community partner in town including the VA, DHS and Dept of Aging and Disability, that’s when he was dropped off at Klamath Falls Gospel Mission. Staff at the Gospel Mission refused to give up on John.
John brought that same angry defiance to the Gospel Mission. Unwilling to conform to structure at the Mission, John would frequently leave in an angry rage, only to return after staff left for the day. Slowly and incrementally, John surrendered, finally realizing we were working for him, toward what was best for him, and trying to teach him how to provide that for himself.
At 75 years young, the Holy Spirit began to soften John’s heart as he realized the love of Christ expressed through servants at the Gospel Mission. Finally, John started to show appreciation for assistance given him, and God opened doors that had long been closed to him.
After nearly a year of advocating for John, KFGM Staff were finally able to secure a spot for him at a care facility capable of giving him the care and assistance he needs. By the grace of God, John can now live out the rest of his days in a safe, stable HOME.
This is the work of Klamath Falls Gospel Mission – Rescue, Recovery and Renewal. After being rescued from the streets, John’s surrender to the love of God found here at KFGM gave him a new life – indoors.