Our Year in 2025

“For 14 years, I was trapped in a heroin addiction. By 19, my life was already in a downward spiral, marked by self-destruction, broken relationships, homelessness, and time in jail. Living just to survive, with no hope or direction.

In March 2023, I was arrested for my fifth probation violation. That painful moment became a turning point. While in jail, I started getting clean. When I got out, I decided to surrender my life to Jesus, and everything changed.

Today, I’ve been clean for over two years. God has restored my life, brought healing to my relationships, and surrounded me with a strong supportive community. I'm involved with Northeast of the Well, where I share my story, invite others to Monday night services, and witness the Holy Spirit transform lives—just like He did mine. I used to walk alone. Now, I walk with Jesus—and I’m never alone again.”

My name is Giselle, and I’m 37. I came to NorthEast of the Well last year while in treatment. Hearing Shaneen’s story sparked something in me—I wanted what she had. As I drew closer to God, I began to feel set apart, no longer bound by my old ways.

On March 5th, I was baptized, and in that moment, I felt truly free—from addiction, toxic relationships, and anxiety. When my daughter’s father relapsed, my heart broke, but Jesus met me in that pain and gave me peace, joy, and strength.

Today, he is sober and God is restoring our family. I now volunteer with NorthEast, picking up women from the same rehab where I once began. I’ve found purpose, community, and a new identity in Christ—and I’ll keep coming back to give thanks.

Chelsea was trafficked for over 11 years, manipulated by false love and controlled by abuse. She lost custody of her baby and turned to drugs in despair. When she became pregnant again, she knew something had to change.

A nurse referred her to Casa Teresa, where she was invited to a Bible study with NorthEast of the Well. There, Chelsea met Gail—who welcomed her with a hug that made her feel truly safe for the first time. Ten months later, Chelsea was baptized. As she came out of the water, joy overwhelmed her. “Hallelujah!” was all she could say. Her healing had begun.

From a young age, Woody sought acceptance through violence and gangs, which led to a 25-to-life prison sentence later reduced to nine years. In 2021, broken and intoxicated, he walked into a detox center—what he now sees as God’s protection.

At Grandpa’s House, Woody connected with NorthEast of the Well and found mentorship through Bobby, a Bible teacher with a similar past. Today, Woody is sober, growing in faith, and surrounded by a supportive community. “When I walk through the doors of NorthEast, I experience real love and acceptance,” he says. He now stands on the promise of Psalm 23, walking a new path with God.

Maddie once believed she was destined to die a drug addict. After years of addiction, homelessness, and losing custody of her children, she entered treatment with no desire to change. But through NorthEast of the Well’s Bible studies and support, Maddie encountered God’s love and began a new path.

Now over two years sober, Maddie has full custody of her daughter, is part of her son’s life, is enrolled in college, and has found purpose and peace in her faith. Her life is a testament to the power of prayer, community, and God’s grace.

I was using needles with my own family, dropped out of high school, and turned to prostitution to fund my addiction. After multiple overdoses, jail time, and even a suicide attempt, I began to feel hope again when my nephew Odin was born—I didn’t want to miss his life.

After four months in treatment, I found NorthEast of the Well. Meeting Jennifer Link changed everything, and I kept coming back. A year later, still battling suicidal thoughts, I raised my hand during a gathering—and was prayed over. In that moment, I was freed. The darkness left me.

My sister and I were baptized together, and two weeks later, I encountered the Holy Spirit in a life-changing way. Today, I’m truly alive in Christ. He gave me new eyes to see, new ears to hear, and a purpose I never imagined.

Lorena’s early life was marked by trauma, addiction, and human trafficking at the hands of her own parents. Consumed by bitterness, she turned to witchcraft and drugs to escape reality. But during a doctor’s visit, everything changed—hearing her unborn daughter’s heartbeat, Lorena suddenly felt God breathe life into her.

She began to follow Jesus, who healed her heart and set her free from addiction. At an anti-trafficking event, she met Laura and Shaneen from NorthEast of the Well and instantly recognized Christ’s love in them.

Today, Lorena works in treatment to give back. She lives with her children and offers hope to others still trapped in darkness. “Cry out with all your heart,” she says. “Jesus will meet you right where you are.”

Darrell, a retired veteran, came to NorthEast’s Long Beach gathering in 2018 seeking connection. After encountering Christ’s love, he wanted to be baptized but was turned away by other churches. When NorthEast announced baptisms, he asked, “Is there any reason I couldn’t be baptized?” and was warmly welcomed.

Baptized by Laura and Tim, Darrell now joyfully attends gatherings and even donates part of his veteran benefits to the ministry. He’s grateful that nothing stood in the way of his baptism and new faith family.