In and out of jails for years, David’s drinking was getting worse and people close to him wondered what would it take for him to change.
David had a big problem . . . alcohol. No matter how hard he tried to break the chains of his addiction, it looked like he might never be able to.
In and out of jails for years, his drinking just continued to worsen. Then one night things really escalated. The final straw occurred after an altercation with his sister. The police were called and he was forced to leave his parents’ home.
In that drunken fog, the memory of his sister and the painfully disappointed faces of his parents were still fresh in his mind as he recalled the police escorting him to the squad car.
In that moment, as David was taken to jail, it finally hit him. The sudden realization that, this time, all of his bridges were burned and no one, not even his parents, would be there to bail him out.
But in the depths of despair, in a lonely jail cell… he met Chaplain Ray.
After hearing David’s story and his cry for help, Chaplain Ray said, “I’ve got just the place for you.” The next day, David received some information from Chaplain Ray, including a letter and a brochure for Wayside Cross Ministries.
“I remember that day clearly. . .”
Today, he credits his journey of transformation to encountering the holiness of God and learning about his own depravity through the Bible-based, Christ-centered teachings that the Master’s Touch program offers.
“I know everything was sovereignly orchestrated, starting with my probationary phase that led me to Wayside, and the daily chapel teachings.”
David had a new outlook on life, and his transformation didn’t go unnoticed.
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him. ~Nahum 1:7
As we chatted, David pulled out the letter that first led him here to Wayside, as the tears welled up…
He now knows that, without surrendering his life to Jesus Christ, and without the support of caring people like you, this change, his miracle, would not have happened.
If you enjoyed this story and want to learn about other lives that were changed, click: Stories of Hope & Recovery
If you know someone in need of a safe place to recover and rebuild their lives call Wayside Cross Ministries’ Lifespring Center for Women or Master’s Touch for Men at (630) 892-4239.
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215 E. New York Street • Aurora, IL 60505
Phone: 630-892-4239
Fax: 630-892-3799
Email: info@waysidecross.org
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These days, Lark has gained some really good friendships at Lifespring. She appreciates that there are people in the program that she can share her struggles with, like a resident named Rica, who is very knowledgeable about the Bible. “She’ll quote me things and talk to me.” She has helped Lark through some tough times. Women in the Lifespring program all come from different walks of life. Lark shared, “But we are all here for the same reason. We’re broken, and we need help. We need God! We are here wanting to know how to be put back together…but for the most part we are a family.”
We embrace all people with the compassion of Christ
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