More than a year ago, Jason Hubbard walked into Akron's Haven of Rest homeless mission on the brink of suicide.
But as 2003 begins, the 27-year-old Oklahoma native has moved into a dormitory at Emmaus Bible College in Iowa. He intends to major in biblical studies.
On New Year's Day, Curtis and Eileen Thomas drove Hubbard 550 miles to Dubuque, Iowa, where he began classes Jan. 6.
The Rev. Thomas Jr., executive director of Haven of Rest Ministries, and his wife, Eileen, who directs its Harvest Home, wouldn't have it any other way.
``When our daughter went to college, we took her, and when our son went to college, we took him,'' Curtis Thomas said.
Hubbard, he said, ``is our spiritual son.''
Hubbard's journey from the desperation he felt when he walked into the Haven of Rest on July 31, 2001, to his new life has touched people at the ministry and others in the community, Curtis Thomas said.
``I just didn't want to walk out the door and shake hands and say goodbye, we will be praying for you,'' he said.
And so they helped him settle into a dorm room.
Hubbard said he began using drugs at age 13. He was removed from his family's home because of his drug use and was placed in a foster home, he said.
A good student, Hubbard was captain of the Academic Team at his school in Achille, Okla. But his drug use and behavior continually got him in trouble, he said.
After graduating from high school, Hubbard went to prison for the first time - serving four months - for forging a check to get drugs.
Later, he want back for 18 months for concealing stolen property, he said.
In all, Hubbard spent 3 1/2 years in two state prisons, plus time in county jails in Oklahoma on a variety of charges all related to drugs, he said.
Eventually, Hubbard came to Ohio in search of his biological father in the southern part of the state. But he continued drinking and taking drugs, he said.
Finally, he moved to the Canton area and worked as a roofer.
And then he hit rock bottom.
``I needed help and I knew I couldn't go on living like that anymore,'' he said.
He had heard of the Haven of Rest and decided to try it.
``I had destroyed every relationship and nobody wanted anything to do with me,'' Hubbard said.
Within days of entering the Haven of Rest, Hubbard said he had a religious conversion and came to Christianity.
``I accepted Jesus on Aug. 7, 2001,'' he said.
From there, Hubbard worked in a variety of positions as a resident in the facility's discipleship/recovery program.
Later, he became a resident intern who helped those who walked into the mission looking for help, just like he did.
Curtis Thomas said Hubbard has told his story to local congregations and Bible study groups.
``Here is a man who made bad choices in his life, and he got on drugs at 13 and spent time in prison,'' the 67-year-old executive director said. ``I am thankful to God that there is hope for any person who has a desire for a new way of life.''
Hubbard said he wants to help young people by telling his story and is excited to begin classes at the Bible school, which was founded in 1938 and is part of the Brethren movement.
But mostly, Hubbard said, he is excited because his life has been changed.
``God did it to me,'' he said. ``I needed a savior and that only comes by Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can do it. I was ready to surrender.''
Hubbard said he does not know what plans God has for him, but whatever they are, he is ready to serve.
``The Lord has been good to me,'' he said. ``Wherever he wants me to serve, I'll go.''