Blodwyn's Story

Blodwyn's family hid a dark secret. Her father had been molesting her and her younger siblings since they were infants. Feeling she had no one to turn to, Blodwyn attempted suicide when she was only eight years old. She says today that God saved her life, but the abuse continued until she ran away to New York City at 14. Her new life, however, held a different kind of abuse. A victim of sex trafficking, Blodwyn was forced to sell her body. She also became addicted to heroin which only fueled her attempts of suicide.

Two years later, an officer of the Salvation Army offered her coffee and a piece of pie at a local diner. She spoke to her about Jesus in a way she had never heard before. Convinced by her kindness, Blodwyn accepted money for a bus ticket home and left that very night, with just the clothes on her back.

Blodwyn graduated from high school and college. She moved to California, started working and got married. It seemed she had finally escaped the cycle of abuse and hardship in her life. Then her husband died in a tragic accident just six weeks after their elopement. Overcome with grief, Blodwyn began drinking and doing drugs.

Later that year, in her grief, Blodwyn married again to an abusive alcoholic which prompted her to join AA. In the meetings, she thrived. She divorced her second husband due to abuse, neglect and unfaithfulness. She met her third husband in AA and gave birth to two children.

Unfortunately, her husband did not stay sober and in his alcoholism, he became abusive and unfaithful. She divorced him and started raising her family on her own, even though suicide was still taunting her every day.

The years that followed were difficult ones for the newly sober mother. She married again ... and was widowed again. Still, she maintained her sobriety. Unfortunately, her attempts at suicide continued.

Years later, Blodwyn married for the fifth time. At first, everything was looking up. Then COVID hit and Blodwyn lost both her jobs. Her marriage also ended when her husband filed for divorce.

These events finally broke Blodwyn. And after more than 30 years, she began drinking again. Disappointed in herself and filled with despair, she tried to commit suicide yet again. As He had when she was just a child, God was there to intervene once more. Blodwyn’s daughter then invited her to come live with her in Wisconsin. Knowing she needed big changes in her life, Blodwyn agreed.

Her daughter had never known Blodwyn as an alcoholic and was shocked to see this new behavior. A friend of hers recommended Hope Gospel Mission. Blodwyn went to the intake interview, certain they would deem her unacceptable. But she was accepted on the spot and welcomed with open arms.

With suicide still heavy on Blodwyn’s mind, she entered Hope Gospel Mission. In time, she received some peace from these dark thoughts. She was ready to heal. “When I started to experience the break from my suicidal thoughts, I knew I had to rewire my brain. I had to change my way of thinking.”

Blodwyn worked with her renewal counselor to develop a personalized plan tailored to meet her specific needs. One that would help her heal and bring her life back together as an older, educated adult.

“Hope Gospel Mission does not take a cookie-cutter approach to recovery. They really care about each individual and make renewal plans that reflect each person.”

Blodwyn is now ready for her graduation and plans on using the discipleship program. This will allow her to continue living on-site. This is a comfort to her as she has a place close to her Hope Gospel family. She has already been given a job offer to teach computer usage to senior citizens.

A firm believer in healing, Blodywyn wants to share her story with those who may have been abused or feel suicidal. Suicide has plagued her entire life, and it is her hope that her story will give strength to even just one person.

Blodwyn is also clear about her passion for you and everyone who contributes to Hope Gospel Mission. “Thank you for saving my life. Your donations and volunteer hours saved me. If I hadn’t surrendered to God and Hope Gospel Mission’s programs, I would be dead. People can get help and hope here.”