Ira Porter’s Testimony

My name is ira porter

“My name is Ira Porter. I am about eight months old. The man I was died at the age of 37.”

“Immediately I was struck by the heart of those here, who have shown me the love of Christ.”

“I have been given a great job provided through the Hope Homes program and I’m surrounded by people who care about me.”

“I don’t know what tomorrow looks like but I know who I will never be again.”

My name is Ira Porter. I am about eight months old. The man I was died at the age of 37. He was born in Temple Texas, to a mother who was addicted to drugs, the last time I saw her I was seven years old. She had overdosed while I was in the same room with her. My father was an angry abusive man who was unable to love me. I was rescued from an abusive home at the age of nine years old. I was in and out of boys institutions and reform schools till the age of 14 when I ran away. Homeless on the streets I lost myself to drug addiction and went to prison at a young age. I spent most of my adult life in prison or institutions along the way.

I met Rachel, God's greatest gift to me. Rachel gave me four wonderful children but under the weight of the sin that had taken me captive I was about to lose them. July 19, 2021 I came to the Hope Homes of the Ozarks from Greene County Jail. Immediately I was struck by the heart of those here, who have shown me the love of Christ. Since being here I have given myself to the studies and classes, I have been baptized by Pastor John Alarid and I gave my life to Christ at the altar of Freedom City Church.

Rachel and I have been reunited. She comes every Friday and Sunday to church. My children come to the children's church and are a part of CityKidz. I am going on 1 year free from drugs and alcohol and have been delivered from addiction by the grace of God. At this time I have completed 6 months of the 1 year program. I have been given a great job provided through the Hope Homes program and I’m surrounded by people who care about me.

I don’t know what tomorrow looks like but I know who I will never be again.