Jeremy R.
As a child, my family moved around quite a bit. I always found myself being the new kid, trying to make friends and fit in. In the middle of my high school years my family moved once again, taking me away from the friends and family that I had become close to.
At that point in my life a rebellious and spiteful attitude guided my choices. I began seeking validation from any and every one that would hangout and call me their friend. The circle of friends I kept around me was not very high character guys, and we were always up to no good. Drugs, alcohol, and lawlessness occupied all of our time.
It didn't take long before I found myself on probation, and then in and out of jail. I became reckless and had no regard for anyone but myself. Eventually this lifestyle led to a short stay in a state prison when I was 23 years old. I told myself I would make the best of my troubles, and turn my life around. Nothing changed.
Throughout my adult life, I found myself constantly trying to find my identity, worth, and purpose through drugs and alcohol. I only knew how to deal with life and connect with others through substance abuse. Two years ago I found myself at another breaking point when I lost a house, vehicles, and multiple jobs. I just couldn’t figure out what was missing in my life.
This is when my life changed for the better, and my struggles became a blessing. In September of 2019, I made a phone call to my sister and told her I needed help. My sister proceeded to tell me about a faith-based recovery program called Step Seven Ministries. She said they could help me. I decided to make the phone call. I was able to get a bed and start the program by moving into one of the sober-living homes on November 1st.
I was coming from out of state in Arizona, and my plan was to spend three months in the program. God, however, had different plans. I came to the realization that I couldn’t put a timeline on my recovery. I’ve been a part of the Step Seven Ministries community for over a year now.
When I first got here, I didn't have a vehicle or a job, and things seemed impossible. But, all the guys in the community reassured me to relax and take advantage of everything that the program had to offer. I immediately found myself surrounded by guys who accepted me for who I was and genuinely cared. It didn't matter where I had come from, or what my past looked like. I soon realized that these new brothers of mine would rally around me and have my back.
A year and a half ago I couldn’t have imagined the quality of life I have now. I am constantly reminded of and surrounded by God's love, and I get to experience the joy that comes from His grace. Through the leadership and men of Step Seven Ministries I now have a Christ-centered foundation to stand on. I'm challenged to grow as a man and in my relationship with Jesus. This journey is no longer about what I'm recovering from, but rather, it’s about what I'm recovering to. I’m learning about and becoming the man who God says I am. Thanks to Step Seven Ministries and my Lord and Savior I’m no longer chasing drugs and alcohol, but searching and seeking a relationship with my Heavenly Father!
sean k.
“I was introduced to a Jesus, and Lord and Savior, I was absolutely clueless about.”
This is a short story very long in the making. It sort of began in 11th grade. I was talkative, easy to get along with, had friends and a large family that loved me. I grew up in a loving home with parents that cared deeply for me. I had everything I could’ve wanted and needed. I was athletic and enjoyed being outside. I hiked, played soccer, and seemed to have my life in order. Drugs were never on my mind. In fact, I didn’t like anything about them. Then addiction happened. Things became chaotic. I was lost, self-centered, and self-destructive. I convinced myself that self-sabotaging my own life was what God wanted from me.
Fast forward to now, and I realize I was wrong in that belief. I just couldn’t see that I could actually be someone better than I was. I longed to be the guy I was back before my journey into addiction started. What I’ve come to realize is that God, perhaps having a sense of humor just like my own, has a unique way of dealing with everyone. It’s been a journey to go from healthy, to drug addiction, to jail multiple times, to believing in a false reality of who God is (someone to blame for my life of bad decisions and problems), to where I’m at in life now. It’s because of the journey that change and transformation into who God wants me to be is happening.
Before I got to Step Seven Ministries, I made attempts at getting closer to God, the God that I wanted to believe was good, but I didn’t really know how to do it. I was tired, beat, broken, and unstable. I felt unloved, and I was dissatisfied with my life. Drug addiction had overtaken me. I was, however, beginning to become aware that something was happening inside me. Things began to change in me.
Once again, I found myself in jail… facing serious time. I was scared and unsure of my future. During this incarceration a cellmate told me about a place called Step Seven Ministries. He said it was a faith-based program and went on about how great it was. Right off the bat, I told myself it sounded like a fairy tale (more of Gods humor). So I contacted my mom from jail and told her about this place. She looked it up online and said, “This just won’t do Sean, you’re Jewish.” But, she called for me. Later that day, when we spoke again, she said to me, “it’s the perfect place and there’s one spot open.”
A few weeks later I got picked up from the jail, and I was on my way to my new home. Home is a word that at that point was no longer familiar to me. I hadn’t had one in a very long time.
Immediately I was introduced to a Jesus, and Lord and Savior, I was absolutely clueless about. I felt safe, and I felt loved. But I wasn’t all there yet. I thought to myself, “How can I be loved?” I hated myself. But, within the first week of here, one of the guys who is now a brother to me said, “Sean, slow down! If you don’t know how to love, then just let Jesus love you until you can love yourself. Once you can love yourself, then you can start loving others the same way.”
A few weeks passed by. I go on a camping trip with everyone from the ministry, which was my first time ever camping, and it was DOPE! By the time this trip ended, I’d be changed forever. On the trip, I was able to witness firsthand what Jesus had done in so many of these amazing people’s lives. I knew Jesus was real, and I wanted to know more. I finally began to believe. This was the beginning of a new journey to a better life and a better me. Shortly after, on October 1st, I was baptized. It was the happiest day of my life!
My journey here at Step Seven Ministries continues. I have a wonderful job and a home with people who want the absolute best for me and would do anything for me. I have people to hold me accountable and give me good counsel. And, I have money in the bank! I’ve got a family that never gave up on me. I give it all to Jesus, because none of this would be possible without Him.
The funny thing about all this is that at the beginning of my journey more than 10 years ago, I told you about the guy I wished to be again… now because of what God is doing to me I’m 10 times that guy. I’m now a man. I’m a survivor. Most importantly though, Jesus is first, and I know that I’m loved. My trust in Him will remain!