Before God led me to Albemarle Teen Challenge, my life was so far out of control that I saw no real hope for anything to heal the wounds that were so deep in my heart. I couldn’t even get up in the morning without having something to take, snort or smoke, if I slept at all. It was awful. I always thought that I could medicate the hurt so that I wouldn’t have to feel anything. I was on about seven different prescription medications for all the many diagnosis the doctors gave me as well as using massive amounts of cocaine. I turned on everyone that really loved me and wanted to help me because I was so blinded by my addiction. I was stealing from my family to feed my addiction. I ended up in jail. It is really only by God’s grace and mercy that I am alive today.
The love of Jesus is so very strong and He drew me to him at a very fast pace. I have felt a love like I never knew before. He delivered me from the bondages of addiction and made me a new person in Him. While in Teen Challenge I had time to spend with God away from the pressures of the world. I truly feel that I can do all things through Him who gives me the strength. I have encountered the love of God and I will never be the same. The Lord restored in me what the enemy had been taking all those years. I am free from the depression I suffered from the death of my husband to suicide. I am completely drug and alcohol free and I owe it all to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I now have a close personal relationship with Jesus. He is my best friend.
Since graduation I have been reunited with my family and my son. Our relationship is growing stronger day by day and they see the changes in me to be very evident. I have seen God work on them as well while I was away. It is amazing how people can see the Jesus in you and they want that too. God has turned my life completely around and I now have purpose, hope and a future. I can now be the wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt that He wants me to be.
I am truly thankful for the love and support given to me by the Pastors and staff at Albemarle Teen Challenge. They poured so much into my life and for that I am grateful.
Romans 8:28- “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” NKJV
I currently serve on the Board of Directors as Treasurer of the very same facility I graduated from 10 years ago. All Glory to Jesus Christ!
