With the gentle hand of God, it was the birth of Al Wilson’s grandson that turned around his life. His own childhood was a cycle of abuse, drunk parents, and poverty. Born in Calaveras County, Al lived most of his life in Amador County. A Miwok Indian, he lived on the reservation as a tribal member and worked on the reservation for many years, eventually becoming homeless and working side jobs throughout Amador County. He finally was offered a job working as a ranch hand – where he was able to both work and live.

His journey to the Gospel Center Rescue Mission was not the usual path. His first introduction was when his daughter Ashley came to the Mission and entered the New Life Program. With an impending warrant against her, she knew that her soon-to-be-born son would be taken by Child Protective Services (CPS) and moved into the foster system. She reached out to her dad. Working with CPS, he was granted custody of the newborn. While Ashley served her two month sentence, Al took this sweet little baby back to the ranch. And there, he fell in love with his grandson, Al Henry Lee Wilson.