That’s My Mission is a new book written by the men of the Union Mission Foundations Program, Debbie Oliver and Dana Spence. This book includes the testimonies of several men who have participated, or are now participating in the Foundations Addiction Recovery Program. They share what God has done and continues to do in their lives.
Can These Addicts Live? (In an excerpt from the book, Joe Washington shares his testimony.)
Having experienced an addiction to “crack” cocaine for over 20 years, I can say I understand what it is to be lifeless and dry. To doubt you will ever make it, to hear everybody you know, and even those you do not know, say “he will never change.” As I walk with Ezekiel to the valley of dry bones, I see the condition I once faced. I think about the bones that are still in that valley – the people who still face that condition. God is no respecter of persons. He wants to do for all what He has done for me. He caused me to hear His Word. He caused the breath of His Spirit to come into me and I came to life.
Today, I know that He is God! For the past 9 ½ months, I have been in the Discipleship Program at Union Mission in Charleston, West Virginia. I am now attending Word of Life Bible Institute in Hudson, Florida for one year. Reading Ezekiel 37: 5-6, 13-14 reminds me what God has declared. This is what I will do in my life. Father, thank You for bringing me out of the valley of the death of dryness. Thank You for bringing me to Union Mission for all the people who have supported me through resources and prayer. Father, I pray for those still in the valley. Cause them to hear Your Word that they might come to life, receive Your Holy Spirit, and live in Jesus’ name!
Life Application Devotional
Dry bones are symbolic in the fact they are lifeless and accomplish nothing. When God infuses His desires in your heart, you have a hope and reason to get up every day. Joe experienced the lifeless feeling of dry bones and hopelessness, but more importantly, he now understands the peace and joy that comes with believing in bones that are replenished with God’s infusion of goodness. Through God’s mercy and grace, Joe turned his life around to one of serving the Lord. It has not been an easy road. Little did Joe realize God’s plan for him to attend Word of Life. That’s how God works. We submit to His authority, and His plan unfolds in miraculous ways. What kind of bones do you have? Are they dry and brittle? Are they healthy and ready to be used in conjunction with the other parts of the body? I want to encourage you to read your Bible. Stay in constant communication with God through prayer. Allow God to transform your thinking and take any dry bones in your possession and replace them with healthy ones. God has great plans for your life. Ask Him to give you direction. He will provide. You will receive answers.
Prayer: Lord, I never want to live with dry bones. Thank You for hope and restoration in my life. Forgive me for any times I allowed myself to become less than You created me to be. Thank You Father for loving me and giving me a fresh, new start in this life. In Your Holy Name. Amen.
To obtain your copy of That’s My Mission, visit Union Mission at 700 South Park Road, Charleston or call 304.925.0366. A donation of $10 is requested.
