06/09/2026
Every changed life has a story.
Our June News of Hope features a powerful testimony of hope, freedom, and transformation. Take a moment to read his story and see what God is doing through Great Lakes Adult & Teen Challenge.
⬇️ Testimony below ⬇️
Before coming to Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge, I battled addiction to opioids, alcohol, and methamphetamine. My addiction led me down a path of homelessness, hopelessness, overdoses, attempted su***de, prison time, and multiple felony convictions. Although I knew the truth and knew that God was the answer, I continued trying to do things my own way.
My addiction destroyed relationships with my family, shattered the trust of my children, cost me my union job, and caused me to lose my home. Eventually, I found myself sitting in jail facing twelve felony bail-jumping charges, seven counts of possession of narcotics, and operating a vehicle without consent.
While in jail, I attended a prayer circle where I first heard about Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge. I applied and was accepted into the program. At the time, I accepted a plea agreement carrying a possible sentence of up to 30 years. Standing before the judge, my only hope was that God would move in his heart and allow me the opportunity to enter this program rather than spend years behind bars. By God's grace, the judge court-ordered me to Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge.
Since coming here, God has transformed my life. Today, I am sober, alive, and free. He has restored relationships with my family, allowed me to rebuild trust with my children, and given me healthy relationships rooted in Christ. I am grateful to spend holidays and weekends with my children instead of sitting in a prison cell.
Today, I am a graduate of Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge and serve as a Direct Care Staff member. I am also enrolled in District School of Ministry as I pursue becoming a certified minister of the Gospel. Above all, I am thankful for my salvation and for God's incredible grace and mercy.
A scripture that guides my life is 2 Timothy 2:4: “No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” Thank you for helping people like me!
