Arnold joined our Helping Up Mission 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program almost three years ago. He had a clear interest in spiritual things from the beginning and it appeared to me that he had already made a definite commitment of his life to Jesus.
He regularly had Bible questions for me and often talked about wanting to go to Bible college. But Arnold still struggled with being Arnold. I’m not sure if his lack of self-confidence led to his addiction or was the result of it. Either way, struggle he did!
After six months here, Arnold relapsed on his drug of choice – alcohol – and had to leave our zero-tolerance program. But he counted the days until he could return and showed up the first day he was eligible!
This Arnold was different from the old one – a new openness and a commitment to do things different. That included new discipline and follow through. And it’s been working!
He’s been clean over 2 years now and for the first time in his 29 years is genuinely enthusiastic about his life. Arnold’s a very good student at Bible college today – now in his second year – and even has a job in their library. This Jesus stuff really does work!
One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director