Monica’s Story

When Monica came to Bethel, she was lost and broken. After eight years of sobriety, she relapsed, then quickly lost her job and apartment and found herself homeless. Her life went from stable to chaos almost overnight. Knowing a toxic relationship would pull her back into addiction, she left and came to Panama City, living out of her car and trying desperately to find work and stability.

After a month of struggling, she felt ready to run again—until God intervened. While packing her car at a storage unit, she met a woman who told her about Bethel. The very next day, she moved in. The beginning wasn’t easy. She was in “flight mode” and tried to leave several times, but each time she felt God urging her to stay and trust Him. So, she stayed—and it changed everything.

At Bethel, she found counseling, love, and support. The staff became like family, and she built strong bonds with women who understood her journey. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel alone. Most importantly, she began a real, personal relationship with God. Though she once had everything materially, she had felt empty. Since inviting God fully into her life and choosing to walk with Him, she feels like she has everything she needs.

Her message is simple: don’t lose hope. God is with you in your hardest moments, and your struggles are shaping you for a greater purpose. Your story isn’t over. Keep trusting Him!