I had the privilege of joining with a few folks to pray for the KMOC Cross out on Interstate 44. It turned out to be a very emotional time because we heard stories of individuals whose lives have been changed just by sitting at the foot of that cross.
We also learned that there is a prayer box on site where people can pour out their needs. One of those requests caught my attention that day. A husband was asking for prayer for his wife that she could have victory over addiction. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I prayed for this family, and I also found myself getting a little angry at the destruction that drugs and alcohol can cause.
Addiction affects most of us. It is probably safe to say that all of us have either had our own struggles or we know someone who has. The devastation that addiction causes has taken a real toll on our families, our cities and our society.
At our two shelters, we offer a 13-month residential recovery program called New Beginnings for both men and women. It stays full with a waiting list. It is faith-based and much of the teaching comes straight from God’s Word. There are 3 levels that the participants work through and our data shows that if they make it to level three, the success rate of the program is 50%.
Here is what we believe. The goal isn’t just sobriety. The goal is a new life. We believe that transformation by the renewing of the mind, Romans 12:2 and the washing by the water of the Word, Ephesians 5:26 is what makes a person new. Its what I call the great exchange. A person decides that a life with Jesus as Lord is the only way to change. And I’m here to tell you, He does His work in their lives.
When they exchange their old ways, old thoughts, old people, places and things for the ways of Christ, He makes them new. And sobriety …
Well, that’s just one of the countless benefits of this new life.
