Meet Ashanafi

Ashanafi was just 9 years old when his father passed away. From then on, life was filled with uncertainty. “I had little to no guidance on what it meant to become a man. I had to base it on other people’s characters,” he says.

As he got older, Ashanafi struggled with deep loneliness. “I could be in a crowded room and still feel invisible,” he shares.

Feeling lost and without support, he turned to substances. Addiction soon took over his life, leading him down a destructive path and eventually onto the streets. “I realized my habits would lead to death,” he says. That’s when Ashanafi came to City Union Mission.

“Before coming to the Mission, I was pessimistic about my future,” he admits. “Now, I feel more confident in myself and my ability to succeed.”

“The Mission gives me a chance to grow and see that growth over time.”

At the Mission, Ashanafi found spiritual healing and a supportive, Christ-centered community. “In times of despair, there was often a sincere, encouraging word,” he says.

He’s learning practical life skills, like budgeting, and understanding the importance of wise decisions.

Inspired by other program participants’ success and how they live out their faith, Ashanafi wants to give back. “I’ve learned to show others the same grace that I’ve been shown,” he says. “I want to help people who need it.”

Ashanafi also hopes to use his culinary skills to work as a cook while he decides on a technical field that best suits him.

This Easter, Ashanafi has a new direction for his life. Thank you for lighting the path forward for him to experience a future of hope and peace! “It’s God’s grace that makes me who I am. As long as I stay humble and seek God, that’s all I’ll ever need in life.”

Click here to download the Easter 2026 issue of Light Newsletter.