Todd’s Journey to Peace
From Ground Zero to Grace
Todd spent his career fighting fires and rescuing others, but the trauma of 9/11 and a subsequent cancer diagnosis left him trapped in a fire he couldn't escape on his own.
Smoke and fire billowed from the Pentagon as Todd and his fellow firefighters went to work, barely acknowledging the surreal sight of their country under attack. Though his job required facing horrors daily, the catastrophic loss of life at the Pentagon was like nothing he had ever seen. In the years that followed, the weight of those memories grew into a heavy fatigue of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
When Todd eventually received a cancer diagnosis, his bewilderment turned to anger. He hit bottom, unable to see a way out of the pain, and began contemplating suicide.
A Search for Hope Amid the Ruins
While Todd believed God existed, he was angry at Him for the suffering he had witnessed and experienced. Still, in his darkest moment, he looked to the Internet for answers. He saw a Global Media Outreach ad offering hope and healing and felt prompted to click.
"I am truly trying but struggle to find happiness and a place where I can recover mentally and physically," Todd shared in his first message. "I feel so bad inside."
Todd connected with an Online Missionary named James. James began sending Scriptures and devotionals, encouraging Todd to persevere and seek the medical and psychiatric care he needed to recover.
A New Beginning
As James and Todd prayed and corresponded, Todd realized he wanted to live. He took up bicycling, using the time to have long talks with God, and eventually began attending church with his family.
"Please don’t give up now," James encouraged him. "I know that you are hurting inside, but it will get better, and then you will be able to go out and help others."
James’s prophecy eventually became a reality. Todd overcame his battle with cancer and found a new calling in his recovery. He now leads a Bible study for other struggling firefighters, using his own journey to help his peers find the same hope that rescued him.
A Lasting Friendship
Years later, the digital connection between a firefighter and a volunteer remains a cornerstone of Todd’s faith. The safety of an online friendship allowed Todd to process his trauma and return to a vibrant relationship with Christ.
"You, James, have been a blessing to me for many years, and I appreciate your friendship," Todd said.
The Exponential Impact
Todd’s story is a result of GMO’s digital approach, which allows the Gospel to penetrate the barriers of trauma and depression. By providing a safe, anonymous space for hard conversations, your partnership helps reach those who feel they have reached the height of human evil and catastrophic loss. Your support connects heroes like Todd with the ultimate hero, Jesus Christ.
Will You Provide Hope For Someone Like Todd Today?
- Become an Online Missionary and walk with seekers from doubt to discipleship.
- Give a gift to help more Gospel ads reach people in their moment of need.