Pastor Clyde’s Story

My name is Clyde E. Hammond, Jr. This testimony is about giving God glory for His grace and mercy on my life. In 1982, during the course of my life, I became strung out on crack cocaine; and for the next ten years, I was in the company of my so-called friends, trying to live a lifestyle that was extremely detrimental. I didn’t know how detrimental it was until my life got in really bad shape.

I thought I had control over the drugs and could quit whenever I wanted; at least, this is what I told myself. Eventually, I found myself doing things I knew I would never do in my right mind…all just to get more drugs. I didn’t care about anything else but how I was going to get that next hit. I neglected my responsibility to my wife and four kids; I destroyed my relationship with my Mom and my family; and I became a homeless man on the streets of Tampa Bay. For ten years, I lived on the streets, sleeping in abandoned houses, stealing, robbing, and surviving off of soup kitchens.

In December of 1992, I enrolled at the Lighthouse Gospel Mission & Faith Home’s drug rehabilitation program. This great ministry introduced me to Jesus Christ, and in March of 1993, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

I completed the Lighthouse Gospel Mission & Faith Home’s program, and received my GED 1994. In 1999, I became the Faith Home Director, serving as such for the next fifteen years. I achieved my Bachelor’s Degree through Faith Theological Seminary & Christian College at the Lighthouse campus. Currently, I am working for Abe Brown Ministries as the Coordinator of the Transitional Living Program and Senior Case Manager Ready4Work Hillsborough state-funded Reentry Program, helping ex-offenders transition back into the community and workforce. I also serve as a Minister at 34th Street Church of God.

I have seen the Power of God change lives through this great ministry. I thank God for Lighthouse Gospel Mission & Faith Home; it saved my life too.