Jamie - January 2021

To see Jamie Vera today is to see a transformed life. Once he was an incarcerated addict. Today, he’s a working father reunited with his wife and children. “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save.” (Is 59:1) As you read Jamie’s testimony, I hope you’ll note it as a beautiful reminder that even in a very difficult year, God is still a great rescuer and redeemer.

“I was in a 16-year drug addiction. I had destroyed my marriage. I wasn’t allowed to see my wife and kids. I was at the end of my rope. I felt like my only option was to take my life.

A friend told me about Forge. If it wasn’t for the Forge and for Watered Gardens, then I wouldn’t have found God. They come alongside you to help you out. Teach you how to live the right way. How to live without the crutches of being high and messing up… They changed my life.

I don’t have to worry about my kids growing up and living the same lifestyle I did as a kid. That cycle’s been broken. Now they have a chance at a normal childhood and a normal life. Those chains have been broken by the people who helped me, at the Forge, at Watered Gardens, and by the grace of God.”

We’re starting the new year celebrating Jamie’s new life with his family! Thank you for your partnership. I’m confident your prayer and support will reach many others this year lost in the same despair from which Jamie was delivered.

James Whitford

Co-Founder and Executive Director

P.S. I encourage you to view Jamie’s Story of Hope and many others at wateredgardens.org/media/videos.