What a Memorial Day weekend. I accepted the invitation of the staff to visit with the men at Liberty Lodge in Titusville, a transitional house for men seeking to follow Jesus and live in genuine recovery. On Friday night at discipleship class I was asked to give my testimony.
I enjoyed a time of fellowship with my friend and partner in ministry Brother Lance. A few years ago Lance was brought to my office by his dad. He was a desperate drug addict. He agreed to get the help he needed and that was a relationship with Jesus Christ. Today he is an overcomer and the assistant director of the recovery program at Liberty Lodge. We have walked with him through some tough but victorious times.
I had dinner with Lance and his family on Saturday as they celebrated the high school graduation of their daughter, Jessa. Lance’s wife Jamie is a real support for her husband as they serve the Lord together and Leah, the 5 year old is the PR for the family. I am sure you that know her know what I mean.
I was able to get reacquainted with Jack the director of Liberty Lodge and Bob the house manager. I had met them at a NET meeting at Dunklin several months ago. I also had the privilege of spending time with Matthew, Isaiah and Seff as they sought me out for some time of counseling and sharing. I have such a great time sharing the miracles of Jesus and seeing them take place in the lives of genuine seekers of His Healing and His Restoration.
I spent time with Damaine who is on staff also and will be going to Nicaragua in a few days to share the good news. He is going on the mission trip with his pastor, Brother Cox. Christian 12 Step donated 50 Spanish copies of the study guide, “Walking the 12 Steps with Jesus Christ”, to take with them.
I was introduced to Pastor Cox who allowed me to share the work of Christian 12 Step Ministry on Sunday morning with the congregation at Christ Central Church that sponsors Liberty Lodge. He shared his testimony of God’s restoration in his life. He has invited me to come back one Sunday and preach to the folks there. The pastor blessed Lance, Damaine and me with a steak dinner following church. It was a great time of sharing.
It is with great joy that I am able to witness the work of our awesome God who saves, restores and equips men like Lance, Pastor Cox, Damaine, Jack and Bob to do His work. I cannot describe the emotions I experienced during my visit.
Now you understand why I started out by saying “What a Weekend”. It was so encouraging to witness the power and presence of my Jesus who is so loving, gracious and merciful. I was reminded of the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews Chapter 11 and realized I was among the heroes of faith that would be included in the list if the scriptures were being written today.