joe
Today my life is amazing because of Step Seven Ministries and the opportunity they have provided me with. Over the past 26 years I have struggled with addiction… addiction to whatever was put in front of me. I was in and out of jail and prison, and more often than not, stuck in my own prison in my head. This was a prison I created and could not escape.
My addiction caused me to burn every bridge I crossed from family, friends, and jobs… anyone and anything. It’s caused me to use and manipulate my way through life, and do some things I never thought I was capable of doing. My addiction kept me in a dark place. It was a place where I blamed GOD for my mother’s death, and I used it as an excuse for EVERYTHING. It was a place where I couldn’t love my family, my friends, or even my children. It was a place where I didn’t know what love was, and that made me crave attention from all the wrong people. When I was 35, I received a 10-year prison sentence… and life was over…. or, was it just the beginning?
In July of 2015, while in prison, I accepted JESUS into my life as LORD and SAVOIR. As I came to know Him over time, things began to improve. My mind began to know peace instead of chaos. Relationships began to get rebuilt. Life became good!
I came to Step Seven Ministries when I was released from prison because I wanted a place to continue to grow as a Christian. What I got was so much more. I got continued growth, love, acceptance, friendships, and the family and home I never had. Coming to Step Seven was the second-best decision that I ever made, next to accepting JESUS into my life. Being in one of the Step Seven sober-living homes has allowed me to grow in a safe and supportive environment with brothers who genuinely care about my wellbeing.
The leadership of Step Seven immediately made me feel like this is where I belong. Being part of a ministry that is run by men who know where I’m coming from because they’ve been there also is heartwarming. Being around like-minded men of GOD is an amazing feeling. The brotherhood within this community is like none other. Having the opportunity to learn from these men and being blessed with the opportunity to take the discipleship course has allowed me to build a solid foundation of faith to build my life upon.
Life is AMAZING and FREE now. Currently, I’m a house leader at Step Seven, I’ve been able to rebuild my career better than ever, I have a relationship with my 16 year old son for the first time, and most importantly, I have a relationship with GOD. None of these things would have been possible without JESUS and Step Seven Ministries. Step Seven will always be a part of me. I am forever grateful to PT, Brian, and everyone that has supported this ministry so that men like me can be TRANSFORMED and FREE!!