When Robert hit rock bottom, you made it possible for him to start anew. Reflecting on his life before arriving at the Mission, Robert shared, “I was consumed with alcoholism. I couldn’t hold a job, and no one wanted to be around me. I was broken down, but I’ve been transformed. I’m a native of Frederick, so I’ve known about the Mission for years. For me, it came down to one thing: surrender.” Last September, Robert graduated from the Mission’s Changed Life Recovery Program (CLRP) and began his journey into a new life.
Raised in a church-going family, Robert placed his faith in Jesus at the age of 13 and experienced a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit. However, when his parents divorced, Robert turned away from God and embarked on a path of rebellion.
Over the next three decades, alcohol kept him trapped in a cycle of addiction and despair.
“I was tired of my lifestyle,” Robert said. “I stayed with my grandmother, but my drinking had pushed her to the point of asking me to leave. Facing homelessness, I decided to go to the Mission for help. On my way there, I came up with a lie to tell her—that the Mission had no beds available for six months. But just as I was about to turn around, God spoke to my heart: ‘It’s time to surrender.'”
At the Mission, Robert committed himself to studying the Bible and achieving sobriety. Yet, after 10 months, he relapsed. He moved to Florida, where his drinking worsened. One day, on his way to a liquor store, God spoke to him again: “Would you choose to drink over a life with Me?” Overcome with emotion, Robert broke down and called Carlton, the CLRP Director, asking to return to the Mission. This time, Robert completed a full year in the program, emerging as a changed man.
Today, Robert works at Tamko Building Supply in Frederick and has even purchased his own townhouse. God has also restored his relationships with his grandmother, his daughter, and her mother, with whom Robert remains on good terms.
Robert now exudes calm confidence he never had before. He describes his transformation through Scripture: “2 Chronicles 7:14 captures what God has done for me: ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’ For years, my heart was hardened, but as Hebrews 3:15 reminds us, ‘Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.’ I’m so excited about what God is doing in my life! There have been trials, but He has brought me through every one.”
Thanks to your generosity, the Mission was there when Robert needed it most. Countless others, like Robert, have found help and hope through your partnership with the Mission. Together, by God’s power, we’re changing lives now and for eternity!
