Craig's Story of Recovery
My name is Craig and I am a beneficiary at the Rockford Illinois ARC. This is the fourth time I have been at this center.
I’ve been an alcoholic for 26 years. My life has been a complete mess for as long as I can remember. From age 16, the only thing that mattered was alcohol and women. This has caused much grief over the years.
After everything from juvenile detention to prison, to numerous hospital stays, it’s a wonder I am still alive.
I gave up everything in my life, including my children, family, jobs, and I finally ended up homeless. Not knowing what to do, I came to the ARC in 2007. I managed to complete the program but a couple of weeks later I was drunk again.
The people at the ARC kept telling me about God but I just didn’t know if I wanted to get involved with that stuff. I left the program and returned two more times for short periods but I kept getting the same results.
I returned to the center again in 2009 broken and weighing only 152 pounds, my kidneys failing, and wanting to die. The day I came in Captain Salsbury said, “Craig please try God or you will never win your battle with your addiction.” Skeptical, I dabbled with the Bible and Bible lessons.
I mentioned to someone one day about having a terrible resentment towards my ex-wife. He gave me a prayer to say for 14 days. I told him I’d try the prayer, but if it didn’t work not to bother me about prayer anymore. After a few days without me even realizing it anymore, the resentment had gone. I didn’t know if it was a fluke or what, but it worked. This one prayer has opened my heart to God and given me faith.
I’ve since received Jesus as my savior and I can’t believe the blessings I have been given. I simply can’t believe the change that has come over me. Gods has placed people of faith in my life to help guide me and to open my eyes to a new way of life. Never before have I had peace inside like I have now. I have no idea what God has in store for my future, but one thing I know for sure, he will be proud of me and my new life.
I only wish I would have made the decision to follow Christ years ago. Since the day I accepted Him, he has brought my daughter back in to my life, and I am soon to be a grandpa.
God has led me to people who teach His word and that can steer me towards becoming a soldier in The Salvation Army.
If anyone reading this has any doubt about God, please just give Him a chance cause if He can change me, He can change anyone.
I would like to say thanks to the administrators and staff at the Rockford ARC for helping me with my walk. I especially want to thank Bob, the director of operations who has "adopted" me.
I owe my life to the ARC and these people. Most importantly I owe my life to Jesus Christ. I am truly blessed.
Craig