08/25/2026
NEW GRADUATE GRATEFUL for FAITH-BASED RECOVERY
(By Beverly Snowden)
Eric Dwayne Carter is 38 years old. Following years of addiction and life-threatening situations, his back story of lived experiences reflects someone who might be in their 80’s.
It’s a wonder how anyone can get through such horrific obstacles. But Eric will tell you how he made it through those obstacles in just one word: “God.”
“I never asked for help, but I’ve learned that asking for help is not a bad thing,” said Carter. ‘Everything began to change when I entered the faith-based program at Loaves & Fishes of Beaufort. I can’t imagine attending a recovery center without the central focus on faith. My spirit has been awakened.
“At Loaves & Fishes, everyone is there together for the same purpose—to graduate, to re-enter the workforce, and to discover how to give to others rather than taking away.
“Pastor Guy Murrell, Director of the Recovery Program, whom I refer to as ‘Mr. Guy,’ is the encyclopedia of addiction. I’ve learned a lot from him. The biggest reward is learning how to take accountability and grow in integrity,” said Carter.
“Drugs masked who I was, internally speaking. I carried a lot of different characters in my personality, depending on the needs and wants. But at Loaves & Fishes, you get to know the real person—who you really are—and discover how Jesus has been there with you the entire time.
There was a lot of new love that I received from the leadership team at Loaves & Fishes. The best part was acknowledging I had a serious addiction and the side issues that seem to accompany addiction with regards to personality, trust, and again, accountability.
“I suppose I needed Loaves & Fishes in my life much earlier. I started smoking w**d (ma*****na) when I was 16 years old and soon, I was dabbling in co***ne. I eventually ended up using crystal m**h (m**hamphetamine). I was not only an addict, but I was a drug dealer, manufacturer, and seller of illegal drugs. Not qualities for a resume. And thanks to God, I was eventually locked up. I’ve spent a total of 18 months in prison where drugs, sadly, are just as accessible as they are outside of prison,” said Carter.
On June 26, 2021, in Hampstead, NC, Carter was physically attacked with a machete. One member of the Emergency Response Team (EMT) shared with Carter that he was pronounced dead three times. This particular EMT member later shared that he continued to pray for Carter while they were inside the helicopter, flying to crisis care. The EMT’s prayers were clearly heard and answered.
Carter carries scars and wounds today but is fortunate to be alive. “It all could have been avoided if my addiction didn’t make me so selfish. It was my choice to live in the world of drugs. The machete attack surfaced from this dark association.
“Following recent surgery, I am just now getting the full use of my right hand, an injury from the attack. Through it all, my addiction recovery and medical recovery, Pastor David Bruce, Executive Director, taught me to decipher and apply scripture to my daily life—especially to recognize that the devil is always there, tempting me to fall again,” said Carter.
“While Eric Carter was in the Loaves and Fishes addiction recovery program, I watched him grow over the next six months,” said Pastor Bruce. “His faith in God increased and he became stronger and more concerned about his life with God. It is impressive that he remained in the program for the entire six months and did not try to leave before the end. Sticking it out to the end is always commendable.”
“I was raised in the church with my loving grandmother, Billie Jo, taking me to church each Sunday,” said Carter. “Unfortunately, I went through years of serving the devil versus serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I missed out on some wonderful times with family.”
In his new life of sobriety, Carter expressed his thankfulness for members of the community who have also supported his new walk with God. “Pastor Rusty Willis from Beaufort by the Sea Community Church has been tremendously supportive of me and taken me to all the doctor appointments, even waiting in the hospital during my surgery. He has been an inspiration, and I am grateful for all that he has done—and is doing—for me.
“I also want to recognize Robbie McMakin for his spiritual guidance. Robbie conducted my baptism at the beach on Radio Island earlier in August. I look up to Robbie and deeply appreciate his guidance. My day of baptism truly revealed my new life in serving Christ.
“And I learned more about the gifts of love and compassion—what they are all about, from my new friends, Sherry and Steve Trussell. God has blessed me with friends who live their lives with a strong faith,” said Carter.
“Success is not measured by where you started, but by the courage to keep moving forward,” said Pastor Guy Murrell, Director of the Recovery Program. “Carter came into this program expecting to leave a better man than when he arrived—and he has done exactly that. The journey wasn’t always easy. Carter faced challenges within himself and within the program, yet he chose growth over giving up. Carter enrolled in school, rebuilt relationships, and proved that change is possible when determination meets opportunity.
“I believe in Eric. He has demonstrated resilience, humility, and the willingness to learn. Those qualities will carry him farther than he can imagine. Carter needs to continue setting his mind on worthy goals, trusting God with every step, and never forget how far he has come. I have every confidence that whatever Carter commits to, he has the ability to accomplish. His past does not define him, his choices do. Keep moving forward, keep believing, and keep becoming the man God has called you to be,” said Murrell.
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” -- John 8:36 (KJV)
“Congratulations, Eric. Your freedom is more than physical—it is the beginning of a spiritual new life,” said Murrell.
Now, as a new graduate of the six-month Addiction Recovery Program at Loaves & Fishes of Beaufort, and newly baptized, Carter sees his connection with God to be at the heart of everything he chooses for his future.
“My three children, Jacob, 11, Peyton, 10, and Danielle, 9, will now have a father who is clean from addiction and can serve as a healthier role model, leading them to God’s Word. This is an entirely new beginning,” said Carter.
From all of us at Loaves & Fishes of Beaufort, congratulations Eric Carter. We wish you the best and remember to always follow God’s Word.
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