Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7
Many of our clients are thankful and appreciative of the time they have spent in our recovery programs. Some take the time to clearly articulate their
experience. This story is one of those. The following is presented verbatim from Katina, a recent graduate.
I grew up in a family of “functioning addicts” with a lot of hurt and trauma. By 14, I had been in and out of juvenile facilities and foster homes. Chaos was my norm. I eventually got it together and had three beautiful daughters and became a nurse.
In 2012, when my dad passed away, I slipped back into drinking to ease the pain. Then throughout a couple of violent years, all my relationships
failed. My oldest daughter fell into addiction at twelve years old and by 16 was serving a juvenile life sentence. I had always taught my girls about the Lord, but they also lived the life of my parties and lifestyle that seemed to make ends meet.
…For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. – James 1:6
That is what our lives were like. After endless struggles, poor decisions, bad coping mechanisms, death, separation, criminal charges, gangs, rape, a murder, drug abuse, drinking and overdoses, I lost everything. Most of all I lost my loved ones. I was left hopeless and helpless crying out to God for help. I had been a nurse so the people around me assumed I should know how to get into rehab. They would tell me I needed to get help, but no one person wanted me around or in their presence. No one wanted to help me.
Wandering through the wilderness and sleeping under bridges, completely alone I cried out to the Lord. I was very sick and in active addiction and had no way of helping myself.
In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. – Psalm 120:1
In the final stages of my addiction and after several failed suicide attempts, I woke up to a text message from the Union Mission. August 7, 2018, I surrendered and returned the call. They didn’t ask for my insurance information, or a $500 up front deposit. What they did offer was help with
loving open arms.
On my journey to recovery, Union Mission helped me with so very much. They were there with me through all of my court hearings and trials in a failed system. With their help, I clung to my faith and grew in my walk with Jesus.
For we walk by faith, not by sight: – 2 Corinthians 5:7
The classes and counseling I received at Union Mission taught me to retrain my ways of thinking and in turn, I learned a better way of living.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5
While in the program, I was helped to reinstate my nursing license and get the continuing education I needed to be reinstated. I was able to get things I needed in order to go back to work. I got a job at CAMC during the Vocational phase of the program and was able to get back on my feet. My
parental rights were terminated and I was facing felony drug charges.
The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:14
I completed the program in 13 months. When I graduated I was able to move into my house in [omitted for safety] and purchase a car. I completed my probation and my charges were expunged. My oldest daughter completed her sentence and is sober and working as a CAN in a nursing home. My middle daughter completed a dental assisting program and for now is the manager at [omitted for safety]. The Lord restored my parental rights to my youngest daughter.Now having full custody she resides with me and goes to school and attends gymnastics weekly. We attend Maranatha Fellowship Church every Sunday. I am still employed at CAMC where I get to witness to the sick and hurting just how much God can heal and restore your life.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32
The Union Mission saved my life. The time I had to heal, grow and learn was priceless and the love I experienced on so many different levels helped me succeed. I am forever grateful for the program and the people there.
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. Psalm 3:3
Lives are being restored due to the efforts of our Addiction Recovery Program. The ability to help more women like Katina rests on the funds from generous donors. Please consider giving to Union Mission so we can continue this vital work in our community.
