The Transformation Continues for Demetrius.

Learn how back-to-work programs like Hope Outreach at Wayside Cross Ministries aid in the recovery process for people overcoming homelessness, addiction, and depression. Ex-felons are also rebuilding there lives here. Our Bible-based, Christ-centered residential housing and recovery programs use work and personal accountability as an integral part of the transformational process to help individuals reclaim their lives. It’s one of the six ministries at Wayside and it’s had a profound impact for people like Demetrius.

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all of these things will be given to you as well.” ~Matthew 6:33

Rarely, when a person graduates from Wayside Cross Ministries, do we ever get to witness the restoration in their lives after they leave the program. But three years later, the transformation continues for Demetrius. Today, he’s got big news to celebrate. He is about to embark on a new, full-time job, and that’s only the beginning.

This morning, Demetrius had just finished counseling a program resident that was thinking of leaving. Like so many others, he gave the young man the assurance only a man who had been there and done that could give. But that’s not unusual for Demetrius. He always manages to make the time for it, no matter how busy he is. And each time after, he always takes the time to count his own blessings too.

An experienced plumber by trade, Demetrius first came to Wayside a little over three years ago. He had just finished serving a 10-years in prison. A product of a broken past, Demetrius tried everything, drinking and drugging until he was overcome by depression. At one point, suicide looked like his best and only option. Thankfully, a quick-acting police officer found him just in time to save his life. But news of his coming 10-year prison sentence only made him question why.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” ~ Hebrews 4:16

That was over a decade ago.

Nowadays, Demetrius knows why God spared him. Today, he stands as a living testimony of what God can do if you allow him to change, challenge, and totally transform your life. Just two years ago, he had graduated from our phase two Master’s Touch program. His classmates elected him valedictorian, and his life journey then was just as inspirational as it is now. But at that time, he made a commitment.

It was a commitment born out of a challenge. The same challenge he had just counseled the young man he met earlier this morning. And, it’s the same one every graduate faces when they complete the Master’s Touch program, get a job or continue on in Wayside’s Phase 3 and 4 programs.

Leaving the program and going right to work was definitely an appealing option. He certainly had the credentials for it. But he made a decision to stick it out and to give back. That’s when Demetrius became an RA and began to help point other guys to a God who will help them to reclaim their lives. As a result, he continued to grow and experience one breakthrough after another.

That decision allowed him the time to seal in his newfound faith and to develop a new set of skills in our work recovery ministry — Hope Outreach Ministry. Things like accountability, responsibility, coming under authority and servant leadership. The soft, intangible skills employers look for when they hire individuals rebuilding their lives at Wayside.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Eventually, Demetrius decided to begin the process of living on his own. He got an apartment several blocks away and continued serving as a full-time staff member in our maintenance department. He made a commitment to give one year of service to Wayside now as an employee. To give back to this ministry a little of what he had received. He didn’t have to.

It wasn’t a requirement, but Demetrius felt God leading him in that direction. You see, ever since he came to Wayside, he’s become use to the idea of letting God do all the leading. As an employee at the ministry, Demetrius reported to our maintenance manager. But to understand how invaluable he became, here’s what his manager had to say:

These days, what Demetrius enjoys most at Wayside is being around people. People that are seeking what he finally found.

“You know, guys come into the program homeless, addicted, or just released from prison. I try to let them know that there’s a brighter day ahead if you just stick to it and stay on the right path. You know, because so many guys get discouraged. Next thing you know, you’re going back to your same old ways.”

What changed for Demetrius?

“First thing I had to do was change my stinking thinking. That’s what I always tell guys. You got to change the way you think before you can even attempt to change the way you act. The Bible showed me that. Paul’s life, his ministry showed me that.”

“Not as I will. But as You will!” ~ Matthew 26:39

Today, if you ask him what the biggest transformation in his life has been, he would tell you:

“My willingness to serve…but before Wayside, and before my ten years in prison? I was just one of those people where it was primarily all about me. It was only about getting something for myself. Pleasing myself.”

“It almost cost me my life.”

“It nearly cost me, my wife. But thanks to God and His mercy, she has stood by me. I mean I was a drug addict. I was an alcoholic. And everything I did back then was to either get drugs or get some money to get drugs. My life then…it was primarily all about me. But Wayside taught me to trust in God’s word. That, and seeing all of the volunteers come in and how willing they were to get up early, no matter what. Snow, rain or whatever, in the cold, to come here and serve guys.”

“You know? That gave me an idea of how important it is to serve God by serving others. Not because we have to but because we want to. That’s when I decided I was going to serve God by serving others at Wayside. That’s it! It’s about serving others. And by doing that, I’m serving the Lord. So that’s what I’d say is my biggest change.”

Demetrius was true to his word. In fact, he’s done so much more.

Just like today, he manages to find time to encourage one more person in the program to stick it out. That’s especially difficult when you’re in our maintenance department. This morning, for example, he was busy shutting off the water and draining the entire building to replace an overflow shutoff valve.

A 10-hour job…

That’s why at the end of this week, we will be sad to see him go. But very excited for what God has in store for him. You see, he will be starting a new, full-time job in a career he knows full well at Berry Global. He and his wife have plans to purchase a new home soon, and he will be living out what God promised in Matthew 6:33 . . .

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 

Even now with these plans in place, he is still looking forward to helping out Wayside now, as a volunteer!

At the end of his shift today, he had nothing but encouraging words for others in the program and a thank-you to the staff. He saved most of them though for a few close staff members, his mentor Paul Johnson, and for Demetrius’ wife, who stood by him for so many years. Now at 55, he feels like he has a new lease on life. He knows none of this would be possible without the love and mercy of Christ, Jesus and those who prayerfully support this ministry. People like you!

“I owe it all to God. He brought me to Wayside and showed me the way home.”

When he’s not helping a friend fix their car or playing chess, you’ll find him spending a lot of time reading. Of course, faith plays and intergal part in his new life. Demetrius says he uses his Bible like a roadmap and ever since, he’s never felt lost.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  ~Isaiah 41:10

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91

These are his favorite verses, but he recites their entire passages every morning from memory as part of his morning prayer. “That really sets me up for the entire day!”

Help others like Demetrius find their way home at Wayside.

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE TODAY!

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.