My son was facing prison for selling coke for the first time and God intervened before he could go further down the wrong path. He also lived with drug dealers, and had even been held hostage at gun point. Our home had been raided twice. He hung out with that kind of a crowd and began to live that life style. Soon he could not do basic life things. His life consisted of making money and doing drugs. As a mom I was always worried, scared and feared for his and my life. His friends would steal from me. From food, jewelry, money what ever they can get there hands on. Soon, they would break in while I was there. I was always in the fear of getting beaten, raped, mugged or even killed. My son did not know the seriousness of this, they never do.

I prayed my son into this addiction recovery program. I prayed, “God do what you need to do to bring him back to you and guard my heart in the process.” Life 24/7 took him in and this is what I witnessed from this awesome program:

They raise up men to be ambassadors for Christ. They disciple them to take ownership for there actions and in the process they learn to be leaders. See, when you come off the streets, jail or even prison, you learn a whole new life style, a whole new language, a whole other world that leads to destruction and even death. This program, based on living a godly life, shows them how to get back to basics, like basic hygiene, cleaning up after themselves, cooking, doing there own laundry, working, communicating, giving back to the community by volunteering and so forth.

See, through the example that Christ has set for us we can disciple these men to be transformed by creating a clean heart and a renewed mind and spirit. This recovery program gets them ready to re-enter society. They have to learn a whole new language and life style again. My son, with the help of life 24 7 has gained my trust back. I do not worry about him anymore. I see a life change in him. He has cleaned up, got his drivers license, finished his high school degree, has an honest paying job, and loving God with all his heart. They have taught him how to live a Christ like life. We do not fight, argue, have resentments or angry at each other anymore. We do not yell, or disrespect one another anymore. He is mindful, respectful and so willing to help me out at every chance he can get, we hug and tell each other everyday we love one another. I have been robbed of this for so many years. there was no compassion or love for so long. Life 24/7 has renewed our relationship.

At Life 24/7 they encourage these men to step out in faith to do what has become unfamiliar territory to them. Their families, yes, their families… they encourage them to mend the broken homes! I sleep better at night. I don’t fear the phone ringing, in fact I am not afraid to answer the phone or door. I am at peace. These men have become sensitive to God, his voice and his holy spirit. They are more concerned for others than themselves. This program gives them there lives back, to take control and be obedient to Gods word.

My son now respects authority that can only come from respecting Gods authority. He is transformed! Life 24/7 has saved both of our lives. I encourage you to send your loved ones here, get involved, volunteer, donate what you can, your time, prayers, rides, stamps, gas cards, financial help, anything. Nothing is too small or too big. They also need good mentors, drivers and people to invest in them. I am so glad that life 24/7 saw that my son was worth the investment, because I sure saw it and knew he was worth it.

Thanks
Robin
Technorati Tags: recovery program, drug recovery program, doing drugs, selling coke, addiction recovery program

Pastor Randy showing me where Keith used to live, down by the St. Croix Falls Dam.

In the fall of last year, Keith cam by the church and was looking for a place to stay, so he could get in out of the cold. He had heard about our program and was ready to get off drugs and turn his life around. It just happened that Life 24/7 had a room for him, so after meeting with Pastor Randy, he joined the program. If our program wasn’t around to help him, Keith would’ve been homeless all winter unless he committed a serious enough crime to get him locked up, like so many others do.

With the help of Pastor Randy, the rest of the guys in the program, the church body and of course the unending love of Jesus Christ, Keith did turn his life around. In just one short year, he has moved out of the program and is now living with 2 of his Christian brothers (also graduates of the program) and is holding a steady job where he is one of the company’s favorite employees.

Anymore, it’s hard for us to imagine that Keith was at one point an addict, a thief,  homeless and hopeless. When we see Keith, we now see him as a hardworking, Christ loving, humorous kid that everyone wants to be around. Thanks Jesus for helping us help this one! We love you Keith!