Nagwa’s story is one of remarkable redemption—a life once marked by addiction, broken relationships, and desperation is now being rebuilt on the foundation of Jesus Christ. After years of rebellion, homelessness, and pain, she walked through the doors of Pacific Garden Mission and encountered the life-changing power of the Gospel for the very first time. Her transformation is a testimony to what God can do when a heart surrenders to Jesus Christ—and it is made possible by the generosity of donors like you.

Nagwa Tong

“My name is Nagwa J Tong, and I am from Rochester, Minnesota. I ended up at PGM because I was dealing with addiction, unresolved trauma, and a lot of rebellion. My mom dealt with physical abuse, and it affected our home. My parents eventually separated, which caused a significant rift within our family. She had to raise three kids, and it was hard.

“My mother dealt with physical abuse in her marriage with my biological father. Being the eldest, I was the only one who witnessed it. It was very difficult for my mother because we were new immigrants in America under my father’s provision. We came as refugees from South Sudan, fleeing war. Both of my parents were traumatized without even realizing it. Though we escaped the horror, a piece of it followed us—through abuse and unforgiveness. One day, my mother packed her bags, put us in the car, and left while my father was at work. This was bold. She didn’t know English, had no job, no money, no counseling, and no one in America. It wasn’t easy, and time didn’t ease the pain—it only aged it. That aged pain became my reality. I always felt something was missing, and everything I tried to fill it only brought more pain.

“I never saw eye to eye with my family, which led to severe rebellion. I sinned against God. I disrespected my mom, got into drugs, made poor friend choices, and that led to homelessness at the age of 15. I got kicked out of the house because of how rebellious I was.

“I looked for love everywhere and I couldn’t find it. I looked for love in the streets. I looked for love in the club, in men, in money, drugs, and I couldn’t find it.”

“Eventually, my family moved, but I didn’t go with them because of my many issues. I was an emancipated youth and got an apartment at 16. I lived there until I was 21 but couldn’t renew the lease because addiction had taken over. Living by myself was hard. I graduated from high school, but that was the only real accomplishment I had at that point.

“It started with selling drugs and then working in the strip club. I consider that prostitution, and I was putting myself in situations that were against God. When I lost my apartment, I became homeless. I had the option to live with my mother again, but I didn’t want to follow her rules. I chose drugs, getting high, and committing crimes. That led me to Chicago.

“I was in a desperate and terrible situation. I had to leave the vehicle of the people I came with and asked a pedestrian where I could find the nearest shelter. My goal was to return to Minnesota and resume my miserable life, but there were other plans. They led me to PGM. When I came into PGM, I heard the Gospel for the first time, and it changed my life. I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. I was allowed to join the New Life Bible program and also the New Day addiction recovery program. I completed and graduated from both.

“While I was in the program, I was convicted because I had two warrants. By the grace of God, I went to turn myself in to two different states. I thought I would serve prison time, but God was merciful—the charges were dropped. The judge told me to go back to PGM and said whatever was happening there was working. She had seen me in my addiction, and now she saw the new version of me. I believe she saw a spirit of humility. I didn’t go there to get off—I went to do the right thing. I returned to PGM and have since graduated.

“Jesus restored me and my relationships—with my family and my community. He has given me Godly relationships, educated me, clothed me, and provided more than I could ask for. I’ve been given six more months to stay at PGM and I’m just going to trust Him. He is the author and the finisher of my faith.

“My relationship has been rekindled with my daughter, my mother, my siblings, extended family, and even old friends. They are curious now. They did everything they could to help me before, but I was too stubborn to change. Now, seeing me put together and living differently, they want to know who this “God” I serve is.

“When I first came to Christ, I thought it would be a one-time transformation and that life would instantly become easier. But I’ve learned that trials and tribulations still come—and they test your faith. Every morning, I wake up desperate for Him. Not for drugs or attention, but for Him.

“It feels good to be living for God, but it’s also challenging. I’m still dealing with the old me—the girl who was a stripper, selling drugs, doing drugs, and manipulating people. I can’t go back to those things. I must go to His feet daily and let Him help me in those areas. People can pray for me by asking God to help me recognize my blind spots and to continue giving thanks to Him, which strengthens my relationship with Him.”

Because of your faithful support, women like Nagwa are given more than just shelter—they are given a second chance, a renewed identity, and the love of Christ that changes everything. Thank you for investing in this ministry and in the lives of those who need hope the most. Your compassion is helping to rewrite stories and restore families, one life at a time.

And thank you for your gift to help us continue to share the love of Jesus.