He Brought “The Letter!”

Ryan arrived at Helping Up Mission’s 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program in 2006 with an 18 year heroin addiction. He did some good work in his recovery and went to work at 7 months. But, with his 3rd paycheck, Ryan used and left our program.

In those days we had a 6 month waiting period before a guy could return, but Ryan showed up 2 weeks early and said he couldn’t wait any longer! This time he sat still, stayed focused and graduated in 2007.

Ryan went back to work again, but didn’t use after any of his paychecks! After another year living on campus, he moved on. In 2009, Ryan got married and today also has two beautiful daughters.

In his early 30’s, Ryan’s worked mostly in construction and restaurants – neither of which seemed like career jobs for him. Friends always said, “You’d make a good car salesman,” so Ryan decided to give it a try.

In 2012, he filled out an application at a dealership and was interviewed. Because of his addiction Ryan also had a criminal record, so he went to his interview with “the letter!” It told his story – addiction, criminal activity and spiritual recovery since 2006.

Ryan presented himself very well. When Helping Up Mission came up, the interviewer decided to pass the letter along to the boss – who served on Helping Up Mission’s Board of Directors.

Well, Ryan got the job – and his friends were right – he is a great car salesman! Spiritual recovery really does work, if you work it!

It Only Works One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director