Terry - June 2018

In Acts Chapter 10, Peter preaches, “You know the events that took place throughout Judea…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the Devil.” Most translations use the word “oppression” rather than “tyranny.” But a close examination of the word indicates being forcefully held down by a ruler. Maybe tyranny is the best translation. When I first met Terry he was a gaunt and trembling addict. He was certainly more than oppressed. He was imprisoned.

“I had been doing drugs since my dad left on Christmas Day when I was a teenager. Last year, the night before Thanksgiving, I nearly died after injecting bleach into my arm, thinking it was heroin. I went to the hospital with the world blacking out before the EMTs brought me back from the brink. I knew I couldn’t keep doing this. I had to change.

I came to the mission and said I wanted into their Forge program. It was going to be my first and last program. They said if I passed a drug test the following Monday, I was in.

This place saved my life. Going through the Forge program has been the hardest but best thing I’ve ever done. I’m finally sober and am working for a local plumbing, heating and air company. With their help, I’m building a career skill set that will enable me to find regular employment.”

“This place saved my life,” he said. I believe it. Thank you for your continued support of the mission. Together, we’re breaking the tyrant’s hold!