John Shirah’s Story

John had a normal happy upbringing. He met a wonderful woman and had two children together. He never drank or did drugs. He met a new group of friends that he starting socializing with. John was driving his newfound friends through town one night on the way to a social gathering. He was pulled over at a routine scheduled Police Check Point. Unbeknownst to John, his passengers had illegal drugs on them and hid them underneath the seats when they were pulled over. All four were arrested, his car was impounded and he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

John’s wife and children moved on with life while he was in prison. John lost his home, his car, and his family. Upon being released from prison, John came straight to Panama City Rescue Mission. He accepted Christ as his Savior and is a role model for our young men in our Program.

John obtained a very good paying job with local government, paid off all his fines and received his Driver’s License. He loves to cook, so John volunteered to be the cook for the Men’s Program and prepares all of the evening meals. He has saved more money than any other client in the Program and is mentoring our young ones in discipleship, leadership, and budgeting.