Paula's Story of Transformation

Paula has always felt like she had to fight for everything in life, especially love and affection. Being placed into the foster care program at the age of 6 and being shuffled through the system for years can have that effect on a young child. So she fought her way back to her biological mother only to find the situation less than stable. Paula’s mother would have her own battles as she struggled with alcohol abuse, and would be challenged to provide the love Paula yearned for.

Around the age of 14, Paula would begin to experiment with  marijuana use because it numbed her pain, and she thought she found an escape from the reality of her struggles.  During her senior year in high school she would become pregnant by someone known to be a drug dealer, drop out of school, and begin to get caught up in the fast lane of partying and chasing the illusive high that seemed to be more difficult to get. Marijuana would be a gateway drug as she would later experiment with crack cocaine, and like many, become addicted to the fierce high the drug would bring. “My first hit of crack, I was hooked” says Paula.

Because of her crack addiction, Paula got caught up in the cycle of drugs, crime and prison recidivism. It would severely damage her relationships with her children, family and friends.  Its an all too familiar story, the effects of a sinful life out of control hurts more than just the person caught up in it, it spreads like vicious cancer devouring families and communities.

Unfortunately, sometime stories like Paula’s have a tragic ending. Sometimes drug addictions overcome a person to the point of overdosing. Other times, life on the streets takes its toll and claims the lives of those caught up in the deadly cycle. Paula knows this all too well. “I should have been dead. I really would have been this last time I was out on the streets but God saved my life. I was actually a missed encounter with a drug dealer that changed everything for me. I ended up going to prison, and I know it was God. The guy I was supposed to meet, ended up being set up by some other drug dealer and was gunned down in his car. It could have been me.”

Now Paula, a resident at Gadara Ministries transitional living home, (aka The City) seeks to follow God. “I know that God brought me here to Gadara in answer to prayer, it would be like a slap in the face to God if I didn't take full advantage of all that I am offered here.”. Her eyes tear up “I never had anyone show me unconditional love, but I have it here and they ask for nothing in return. The only thing they want is to build me up. I am so thankful for this ministry and the love you all show me that I never had.”

Paula is attending Houston Community College, pursuing her educational goals and would like to eventually become a drug counselor. She has a heart for serving others. "I would really love to help out other young women caught up in the life that I was, trying to find a way out. Show them the love of God and make a difference for them."

Paula has been transformed by Gods love....to the point of no return.