Before I realized that there was a much better life for me through Jesus, my world was basically upside down. I was lost. I've lived a very hard life as an offshore fisherman for 27 years. Along with that came a lot of alcohol and drugs. Spending two thirds of my life on the ocean made it hard to act normal whenever I was on land. Drinking and drugging, not only became a bad habit, they also ruled my life. I lived to work and party. I was never really satisfied with my life. Even the money couldn't take the place of what was missing. Being away all the time, deaths in my family, divorces, pain and heartache were all excuses to drink. Finally, on April 23, 2007, I was involved in a car accident due to drinking. My buddy who was driving, died when the car flipped over and landed on top of him. I broke my neck and was very close to dying after I had two heart attacks from traumatic cardiac arrest and was on life support for a day.
I could say I was very lucky. However, I believe it was much more than luck. I believe that God wasn't ready to take me home. It's not the first time I've come close to death. Yet he has saved me once again. God has something for me to do. That is why I think God has directed me to the Providence Rescue Mission for the Life in Christ rehab program for men. My whole life has changed in a short time. I'm trying to find my purpose. Find out what God wants me to do in this life. So far he has blessed me greatly for following his way. I have my children back in my life. I have great relationships now with all of my loved ones. I have peace of mind today, because I am seeking to do God's will. I also am grateful for this program, which has given me the opportunity to take the GED schooling. And the list goes on.
My plans for the future are many. First and most importantly, I plan to continue to follow God's way and not my way. My way, never really worked out to good. In doing that, I will share with whomever I can about how God has saved me and all he is doing in my life. I want people to know what I know. That there is a much better way. The things that God can do would just blow you away. I actually have something totally awesome to look forward to. Going to heaven when I die and live forever with God who created me, because he loves me. That's a lot better than the bottle or any pill or money. There is no future in that stuff. Of course I'll need money to live so that's why I'm in school. I'm told I will need a high school diploma to get a land job. I don't know exactly what I want to do yet, but I'm looking forward to finding out. I honestly believe that all of the good things that are happening in my life are gifts from God. My prayer is that everyone could have God in their lives. I’ll share with anyone what God has done for me.
In the Bible, Psalm 45:1 says, “My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” This verse sticks out to me, because that is how I see myself. Ready to share my story about myself and all I know about God.
I thank God for sparing my life. For showing me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. For dying on the cross for me so that my sins can be forgiven, and I can have eternal life with him in heaven. I thank God for giving me hope for a better and brighter future. Thank you for the mission, and everyone in it for all of their guidance and caring hearts. And thanks for Miss Jeanette and school and a class full of cool people.