When I was a young man, I was self-centered and relied on my own strengths and natural abilities. I felt life was all about me. I would use marijuana to “enhance” my experiences. I couldn’t go anywhere with my wife and children without getting high first. I spent time playing in a rock band, where the friends I associated with shared my addictions. My lifestyle led to separation from my family and divorce. I then turned to my career for my identity. Through hard work I became the head of operations for a custom pool company. As the workload increased, so did my prescription pain medication use. Soon I became physically and emotionally dependent on opiates. I started using meth to mask my withdrawal symptoms. My life had become unmanageable. I eventually lost everything I had worked for. I was homeless and addicted to drugs. I lived a selfish life and learned where all my plans and decisions would ultimately lead. 

Then something happened. The Lord began to work on me. I became aware of how lost and miserable I was. I started thinking about what I knew of Jesus Christ from going to church as a child. Then I realized Jesus lived His life perfectly, and He is worthy of honor and glory for what He has accomplished. I had seen the Light. The Lord saved me from all my sins that day! Soon after my conversion I began to read the Bible. The Lord began to renew my mind through the Word of God. However, I allowed my flesh to rise in me and eventually I had a major relapse. 

I assumed upon the grace of God, but He showed me He is also the God of Justice. The Lord disciplined me, and I was arrested on drug charges and spent four years in prison. I spent a lot of time in study and prayer. As my release date drew near, I realized I had no place to go. A Christian brother in the dorm gave me an Inspiration Ministries newsletter. I wrote them and they accepted me into the program. I began to see my new life coming together and my loved ones coming back into my life. The Lord has changed my life to proclaim the gospel to all that seek Him!