What happens when someone facing hardship is met not with judgment, but with dignity, compassion, and hope?

In the first episode of Neighbors at the Gate, a podcast by Mercy’s Gate, John Serio sits down with Michael Guernsey and Robin Cordova to hear their stories of hardship, recovery, financial struggle, and finding support when they needed it most. Michael and Robin share how they first came to Mercy’s Gate looking for practical assistance, and discovered a community that offered much more.

From food and transportation assistance to prayer, fellowship, and encouragement, their stories reveal the impact that compassionate care can have on someone walking through a difficult season. Michael also shares about his seven years of sobriety and the ongoing importance of faith, recovery, and having people willing to walk alongside him. Their message to anyone struggling is simple: don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Guest Bio:

Michael Guernsey

Michael Guernsey is a Colorado Springs-area resident who first came to Mercy’s Gate while experiencing food insecurity and other personal challenges. In the episode, Michael openly shares about his recovery from methamphetamine addiction, his seven years of sobriety, and the important role his Christian faith and community have played in his journey. He continues to participate in recovery and values the fellowship and support he has found through Mercy’s Gate.

Robin Cordova

Robin Cordova is a lifelong Colorado Springs and El Paso County resident who came to Mercy’s Gate during a season of financial and personal hardship. She shares candidly about challenges involving health, finances, transportation, and food insecurity, as well as the practical support she received through Mercy’s Gate. Robin’s story highlights the importance of asking for help and having a community that responds with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Resources:

• Mercy’s Gate: https://mercysgatecs.org/
• Home for the Holidays: https://mercysgatecs.org/get-help/seasonal-services-program/home-for-the-holidays
• Celebrate Recovery: https://celebraterecovery.com/

Chapters For YouTube:

00:00 Treated Like Someone of Value

00:19 Welcome to Neighbors at the Gate

00:58 Meet Michael and Robin

03:07 Life Before Mercy’s Gate

04:11 Michael’s Struggle With Hunger

05:49 Making Difficult Financial Choices

07:11 Robin’s Health and Financial Challenges

08:04 Finding Practical Support

09:26 Treated With Dignity and Respect

10:49 Finding Prayer and Fellowship

11:31 What If Mercy’s Gate Wasn’t There?

12:22 Hope for Neighbors Facing Hardship

13:21 How You Can Make a Difference

14:15 Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

15:37 A Final Message of Hope

16:26 Your Struggle Doesn’t Define You

17:43 How to Get Involved With Mercy’s Gate

Connect with Neighbors At The Gate:

Website: https://mercysgatecs.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercysgate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercysgate/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mercysgatecs

How much do we really know about the challenges facing our neighbors across El Paso County? Food insecurity, housing costs, medical bills, and other pressures can be easy to miss, even when they affect people close to home.

Neighbors at the Gate, a podcast by Mercy’s Gate, shares local stories of hardship, dignity, and compassion. Through the people behind these needs and the practical support helping them move forward, the podcast invites us to see our neighbors more clearly and consider what a caring community can do.

Subscribe on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Connect with Neighbors At The Gate:

Website: https://mercysgatecs.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercysgate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercysgate/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mercysgatecs