Joe's path to freedom

Hi, my name is Joe. I have a wonderful wife and five beautiful children and was raised in a Hutterite Community. I was taught Scripture all my life, in German mostly, but never really knew God on a personal level.

I started drinking alcohol at about 15 or 16 and went on to becoming a heavy alcoholic in the years my children were born. I also started gambling uncontrollably. These sins ate away at my life for about seven years. Evenutally I was at my wits end, and I started to call out to God. I was hurting my family more than anyone else. My life was on a very slippery slope. Many times I just did not want to live anymore. But the love I saw coming from my wife and children caused me to cry out to God all the more. I accepted Christ in a Baptist Church in High River, AB. My life still got worse and worse every day.

Continue article >>

I was not a normal person anymore. I would do anything to feed my habits, which involved stealing, lying and cheating people. My wife and children were praying for me every day, this went on for 3 years. We left the Hutterite Colony thinking this would change things, but I only got worse. After all this, my Pastor and a very concerned friend of mine helped me into Teen Challenge. Coming here God has met me in a huge way and my life has been transformed.

Today I am in love with Jesus and know that He has a special purpose for my life. My favorite Scripture is in Proverbs 23:26; "My Son, give Me your heart and let thine eyes observe My ways."

This true and recent testimony was contributed by BC Teen Challenge, a faith-based rehabilitation program for young men and women, ages 19 and over. Their program is residential-based, and is usually completed in 12 to 18 months. Joe is one of their graduates from the Chilliwack Men's Centre, in the Fraser Valley. www.bcteenchallenge.com

November 13/2008