“ To all who mourn in Israel he will give a Crown of beauty for Ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his glory.”
One of the biggest challenges of incarceration is the day it ends. Those who have found community and Christ in prison are desperate to find a faith family on the outside. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ centered 12 step program and it provides a key to relationships inside the life of the local church. Terry is the worship leader at Temple Bible Church and Heights Baptist and Jean is actively involved with connecting people and finding support groups. Brother Billy from Heights held a Jericho march around his church to pray for a greater sense of connectedness. Now church leaders have invited CR participants to share their stories with the congregation.
Terry and Billy are ministry partners.
This is Ashley’s story for His glory!
Celebrating freedom and recovery.
Is Celebrate Recovery worth it? To me CR reinforces my commitment to keep Jesus at the center of it all. CR is life sustaining. I am called to walk in my deliverance and that includes me doing my part. Without CR I would drown. From my earliest memory’s life was always chaotic. At the age of three my Mom left and never came back. I was left with my alcoholic Dad. He was an engineer by day and a physically abusive monster at night. I was his hostage and lived in constant fear. The fear turned to anger, and I started running at the age of twelve.
The streets were not safe. I was raped and started smoking weed to cope. BY the time I was 14, I was pregnant and living with my son’s Dad. We had two daughters but neither of us knew how to be in a healthy relationship. At 18 I was introduced to crack cocaine which was like a demon choking the life out of me. I lost everything including my children. I was a junkie living on the streets, prostituting, in and out of prison for over 9 years.
However, in prison I met a man named Jesus and my heart was changed forever. I went home and stayed sober for two years but then I fell which led to four more wasted years. After losing my 4th and 5th child and four felonies later I truly surrendered to the Lord. He is so real to me at times I swear I can touch him. Unfortunately, I hit the self-destructive button once again and ended up back in prison for two more years. The Holy Spirit taught me so much during that time. I chose a different direction. Coming out of prison I have been at Lifeway Haven for a year now and I have a CR family. I am accountable both places. I found understanding from my fellow sisters and brothers. Not only is there great camaraderie but there is life changing substance in the 12-step lessons. All are vital in my life. I thank God for Brother Billy, Terry, Jean and Laura for all their love in action and commitment to us. They make my heart smile.
Thank you for your prayers and ongoing encouragement. God is always greater!
Linda and the DU team