June 2025 Newsletter

Charles’ story of restoration

“I shut love out of my life,” says forty-four-year-old Charles Davis from Illinois. “I wouldn’t deal with it. I wouldn’t accept it.” Charles came to His Mansion looking for sobriety and to be reunited with his family. Meanwhile, God wanted to show him His Father heart and to give him an even bigger family in Christ.

Charles was born and raised in the suburbs of north Chicago. The grandson of a preacher, he attended church three times a week until he dropped out of high school. Drinking, using drugs and frequenting jail would mark the next twenty years of his life. In jail he would often pick up the Bible, only to put it back down when he left. “I always believed, but at the same time, I denied Him and went the other way,” he admits. He became passionate about fixing up vehicles, but his chief passion became his two little girls. He continued struggling with substance abuse until a particular relapse made him want to die. God used that event to bring him to His Mansion in 2023.

After he arrived on The Hill, God started showing him why he used substances and how he could turn to his heavenly Father for a more intimate relationship. “He cherishes me,” Charles comments, tearing up. “I’m picturing Him with me like I am with my kids. This is how He feels.” God grew him by teaching him to slow down, to release control and to open himself up more to receiving and giving love. “Being there and telling everybody, ‘I love you’ every day,” Charles reflects. “It took some time, but it changed me just being able to say that.”

After graduating the Resident Recovery Program in February 2024, Charles returned to north Chicago, where he works at a garage and spends time with his daughters, Celia Cathleen and Leila Jean. He participates actively at his church, which he describes as “a second family,” and serves there as a greeter. “I’m just here to submit, submit, submit,” he says. “My next season is just growing in God with God.”

More from Charles

Since leaving The Hill, how has your faith in Christ continued to grow?

“He has constantly reminded me that I need to rely completely on Him. My work and my hands are for His glory. If I do it for Him 1st, and He’s at the center, He will provide. Continue loving and forgiving the way He has loved and forgiven me.”

What encouragement would you give someone who needs help and is considering joining the program?

“I encourage people who struggle with addiction, or whatever else, to give it to Him. He is there, waiting for you with open arms. It’s not easy, as addiction isn’t easy. But we gave the addiction everything, now give God everything!”

The June 2025 graduates

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:21

The June graduates were asked to reflect on what God has done in their lives during their year at His Mansion.

How do you plan to serve the Lord after graduation?

“I will either commit to a program called ‘Jesus Year,’ which is an inner-city outreach/discipleship ministry, or find a church, become connected to the community, and learn about opportunities to tell others about the hope found in Jesus Christ! I want others to know about the true treasure that has been revealed to me!”

Becca

“I want to teach and to show others out there what freedom in Christ truly looks and feels like.”

Ian

What aspects of God’s character did you learn the most about over your year at His Mansion?

“God’s pursuit of the poor and needy. I have found in my times of darkest trial and despair that God is not just sufficient to meet any cry of my soul, but that He is actively seeking to reveal His presence and care to me even when my heart was embittered toward Him.”

Katelyn

How did God use the His Mansion community in your process of healing?

“It was the everyday care and raw expressions of love. It was sharing my deepest and darkest with the men here and experiencing the love of the Father, in the midst of confession, confrontation, and encouragement.”

Will

What His Mansion holiday, celebration, or event will you miss the most?

“One of the things I will miss the most is Prayer and Share. Spending every weekday in the middle of my day with my sisters and brothers in Christ to read scripture together, worship, pray, and testify to what the Lord has been showing us has been beautiful and transformative. It has helped me recenter my focus on Christ as I go about the rhythms of my day and has encouraged me to see what God is doing in the lives of the people around me.”

Kayla

Summer Work Groups

In May, members of Gospel Operation International participated in a Work Group for a week. One participant, Charisse Chen, shared her advice for those who visit The Hill:

“Come with open hands and a surrendered heart. There are so many avenues and opportunities to meet Him, through the community here. Especially during meals and when we are working out in the gardens. It has been so beautiful to see.”

It is not too late for a church or organization to join His Mansion through a Work Group this summer. Contact info@hismansion.com or call (603) 464-5555.

Prayer requests

• For the new Residents arriving this month, and for unity, grace and love in the dorms.
• For the families and loved ones of all Residents, as they support and encourage them to seek the Lord.
• For the continuing work on the new pavilion project, that the work would go smoothly and that God would protect all those working on it.
• For the counseling and teaching staff as they develop relationships with the new Residents, that understanding and trust would develop quickly.