Inspired Stories

Who's story has inspired you ? I couldn't decide on which of the stories posted so I will comment on two. It is really amazing how God uses an event for a turning point in all our stories. Chad had a choice....could have went either way. God used events and Chad made the right choices to go from a drug dealer to a pastor. Terry had a choice...could have gone either way.God used events and Terry made some right choices to go from an addict headed to prison who had lost his children to now being a loving father and the assistant recovery pastor. I'm feeling a trend even in my story. All of our stories are incredible. We are an unlikely staff doing unlikely ministry. God has chosen us,set us aside for His purpose. Our un-written final stories are already incredible as long as we keep making the right choices. We ask God daily for His guidance and courage to do His work for His glory. Through Faith we can continue to write our stories......I'm looking forward to the next chapters !!!
Peace and Love
Jeff

My Story

Popular,athletic, happy,spolied,lived in the swimming pool,cool bikes,skateboards,basketball,football practice....game day....big house in Houston,every event at church with Mom,pool in the backyard,basketball court,game room,pornography from someones dads magazines,sneaking alcohol and cigarettes,mandrex and weed,......Childhood memories before 1980. April 1980 I was suddenly woke up by my mom screaming for help. I ran from neighbor to neighbor for help no one answered the door,finally Mr. Anderson came running over.They gave dad CPR until the ambulance came. After they got there they made me go outside.At poolside I made DEALS with the god I thought I knew...Dad died anyway. From that day until Feb.2002 all I really remember is trying to change the way I felt. No counseling,no closure no idea how to grieve.I remember some good moments, but mostly a saturated fog of alcohol,drugs,women.I was removed from campus my second senior year. Satan's MVP sums it up. I had overdosed twice within a year, the third time I will never forget. Ask me sometime I will tell you all about it. From that moment on God placed people in my life to help me stay sober and disciple me into who I am today. For the past eight years I have done more for others than I have for myself. Since then I have worked extensively with other alcoholics and addicts,I have attended and worked numerous Emmaus functions. I have obtained my GED and currently have a 4.0 GPA working toward a degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling. In March of 2009 I was ordained at The Mission in Abilene TX. where I currently serve as the Recovery Pastor and youth worship leader. I have a wonderful family and many friends all because of the unconditional Love,Mercy and Grace of our Heavenly Father.
Peace and Love
Jeff

Who believed in me ?

What a question...my first reaction is my mother...I am alive today because of the prayers of a loving and Christ centered mother. My family who never gave up on me,my sisters who fervently prayed for me throughout my "Days of less clarity." In ministry it would first have to be Doug Brown and the folks out at Elm Valley. Then; Doug Nelon,Bush Ramsey,Sammy Alcala and Fred Watson, these guys were my friends who stood beside me in the early days. They kept me going with encouragement and love for many years. Barry B. has been my spiritual advisor,accountability partner and friend for almost 7 years now. As of late in would have to be Pastor Chad and all the staff at The Mission. On paper...I am not a likely candidate for an ordained pastor. but, because of Chad and the elders at The Mission today I am an ordained pastor.I am pursuing a new career and doing more in ministry than ever before all while being on staff at The Mission. So many other people are coming to mind looking back over the years.it is easy to see how blessed I have been. God has worked and is still working through people all around me.
Peace and Love
Jeff