Beauty From Ashes
Throughout the St. Louis area, there are many tragic stories of lives lost through addiction to alcohol and drugs. Many people sink to the depths of self destruction. But, recovery is possible through Jesus Christ. This is the mission of the Salvation Army St. Louis Adult Rehabilitation Center. The following are true stories of people from all walks of life. They contain dramatic portrayals of loneliness, dishonesty, incarceration and unemployment in the St. Louis area. Yet, each one ends in triumph!
"When Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind was boisterous, he was afraid and beginning to sink…" (Matthew 14:29,30)
Robert
I was raised in a culture where I was told I the age of 30 had a successful career and family. I thought had complete control of the world. Over the next few years, I developed an addiction to alcohol. Eventually it began to control my life. I tried a few different programs with no success. By the age of 40 I had lost everything, including the will to live. My life began spinning out of control. I lost sight of Jesus. Through the ARC I have regained my will to live. I am now employed and a productive member of St. Louis.
"The Lord gave me a message. He said I knew you before I formed you in your Mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart…"
Thomas
After spending 14 years in the correctional system, I was sure that I would never be a real member of society. I was very angry at the world. I found my way to the St. Louis ARC through my parole officer. I didn’t think I needed to be there, because I didn’t have a problem with addiction, and never was religious. During the six months I spent there, I completed the studies required of the program, and I began to get to know Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, I found a peace I had never known. I now have a successful job at a marketing firm, and my own apartment. That is something I never thought would happen. I also never dreamed that I would find a home at a St. Louis church.
For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, all things were created by Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16)
James
Throughout my education s a scientist, I began more and more to believe that everything in the world could be proven through science and could in fact be controlled by mankind. Through theses studies I became more self centered and began a period of alcohol and drug use, and lost my job and my life. Through the ARC, I realized that although man could create something like an artificial kidney, the machine takes up a whole room. God created a kidney the size of a fist, and He did it thousands of years ago. With Jesus Christ, I have rebuilt my career in science, and my relationship with my wife and family. More importantly, I have found peace.