Hello. My name is Heather. I was born in Alaska and from the ages of 2-17, I was in approximately 20 foster homes. I know about my mother and had never seen or spoken with my father until April of this year, where I found him living in Phoenix, AZ. Praise God! While in foster care, I witnessed other children being abused physically and sexually. At age 13, I started smoking cigarettes and pot. At age 15, I used cocaine for my first time. At age 16, I had given up my first son for adoption and 2 years later I had another son and a serious habit of using and selling cocaine.
I moved from Alaska to California, with my habit, and became involved in drug use and activity. I then became involved in counterfeit money and computer check fraud. As time went on, I had three more kids and owned a home and nice cars until the day the Sheriff’s Department knocked on my door. That’s when my life changed. They took my kids, my home and took me to jail with 14 felonies. I was looking eight years in prison.
While in jail, I read Jack Murphy’s book, Murf the Surf. I knew if he could change, so could I. I began reading the Book of John. With every verse I could feel the love of Jesus surrounding me and filling up my cell. I began to realize God had a plan for my life, even if it meant facing time. Of course, I did continue to pray to God that His plans for my life weren’t in prison. God answered my prayers. I went to court, before Judge Levis, who offered me the opportunity, the chance to change by going to a program.
I had also heard about Samaritan Women in jail and knew they could help me. I was released that night and wandered around the streets of Fresno until Samaritan Women opened the next morning. I got a hold of Nancy right away, She said, “Are you ready for Bible study? I’ll pick you up.” From that day on, I spent all my time at the Center, attending classes and helping out wherever I could. The love, encouragement, acceptance and classes offered at the Center allowed me to develop a strong personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and gave me a solid foundation.
In 2003, I was reunited with the son that I had given up for adoption 20 years ago. He moved to Fresno and gave me my first grandchild. In 2004, I was also reunited with my son Michael who now lives with me.
Today I am working full-time as a Case Manager for Samaritan Woman, and now God has shown me how to take all that old stuff that the enemy meant to destroy me and turn it around for good, to help, love, encourage and give hope to other women who need it the most. Thank you JESUS, Nancy Dixon, Jack Murphy, Judge Levis, & so many more at the Center.
