Testimony of Lynn Holloway

When I was 5 years old, my father drove off and I never saw him again. Mama raised 4 of us.

Mama told me about God and His love. For a long time I went to church, but once I got away from home I stopped. I started to drink and use drugs. It was as if I had forgotten God.

When I got out of the Navy I became a journeyman ironworker. I was married and had a baby girl. Things should have been great, but they were not.

With little money to my name, I began to use drugs more. I thought I was OK, but I was hooked. I got a reputation in the union as a junkie and could not keep a job. My marriage was ruined and for the next 7 years I chased after drugs.

Then one day in 1993 I was hit by a car. It was cold and dark; no one was around. I began to pray "Lord, what am I doing?" Then I asked Jesus to save me from my sin. The next day, still without money or a place to go, I had a peace that I could not explain. The Lord had lifted a heavy burden from me. My sins were removed!

In August 1994 I came to the Durham Rescue Mission. They helped me make biblical changes that were needed in my life. Now at peace with God, and my addictions removed, I had no desire for drugs. I began studying the Word of God and helping other men at the Mission. What a joy it was to help others even as I had been helped!

In August 1996, I started as a full-time student at Piedmont Bible College. In 2003, I graduated with a BA in Missions. The first time I came to the Durham Rescue Mission, they handed me a broom. When I came back after graduating, they gave me an office. I am now Director of Education and I counsel other men whom I can relate to, having walked in their shoes. I see my life now as one of learning to conform to the image of Christ. I'm up in the morning thanking God, coming to work with a good attitude, a smile on my face, in good spirits, and with compassion for men and women. When they come with questions, I give them the best answer possible.

One of the reasons I want to stay in Missions work, is because I know there are some people still out there with good lives that are being destroyed and families are being broken up. This is my way of helping.