Meet Jonah

Jonah’s parents divorced when he was young. Although he was going back and forth between two homes, he still had a good childhood. “I always did fun stuff, especially with my parents,” he recalls.

Whenever he stayed with his dad, he got to know his Ethiopian family and culture. He and his dad also played sports and made-up games.

However, those early years were not without hardship. “My dad had diabetes, and I would see things like his seizures and have to help him with that,” he shares. “I would get some Coca-Cola and pour it into his mouth.”

It wasn’t until he got older that Jonah went through even more challenging times. Despite his belief in God, he felt trapped in spiritual warfare, especially when he was feeling down and vulnerable.

Eventually, he fell into homelessness. That’s when he came to City Union Mission and joined the L. Minor Care Center. “I’m thankful to the Mission because they support me, feed me and take care of me,” he says.

At the Mission, Jonah has not only found stability, but also connection with others and a sense of belonging. “Being around people made me feel like I’m cool,” he says. He’s built friendships with people he wouldn’t have expected, and he has received advice and support from them.

“I’m reading and learning the Bible, and I have people I can talk to who know the Word. That’s important.”

Today, Jonah is excited about his future. “The Mission has helped me realize the importance of studying in depth – to actually study, read and communicate.” He plans to go back to school to study art.

Jonah’s fresh start is possible because of you! Thank you for your prayers and support that are filling him with hope for the new year. “The Mission helped me with my spirituality. I gained organization skills, knowledge, confidence and relationships.”

Click here to download the Winter 2026 issue of Light Newsletter