As parents, we often dream with our children about their future and don’t even consider what we would do if they turned and took a dangerous path.
Our son, Joel, was a gifted athlete, academically inclined, and a well-rounded young man. Aside from the typical teenage bumps, he was always open with us and eager to do the right thing. His childhood was nurturing and safe, just like his seven siblings. He was deeply loved by us, doted on by his older sisters, adored by his younger sisters, and respected by his three big brothers. He had a bright future!
However, Joel’s life started unraveling during his senior year in high school. A series of poor choices had brought addiction to his doorstep. Our entire family watched in helplessness as Joel spiraled further into a dark hole. Addiction put an incredible strain on our relationship with Joel — harsh words were shot at us, and trust was broken. Joel moved out of our home in the middle of his senior year.
"It’s a struggle to find words to explain the overwhelming fear that settled over our family, causing sleepless nights and hopelessness we had never experienced."
We spent months pleading with God to intervene in our lives and on behalf of Joel. God sent a dear couple to us who had walked the journey of addiction with their child. They encouraged us to place Joel in a treatment center immediately. We felt God was opening a door for us.
We started the process by contacting a high-quality, Christ-centered residential treatment center. To our relief, they had an opening for Joel. They also offered helpful coaching on how to approach Joel about starting treatment. Next, we contacted our close friends and family and asked them to pray that Joel would agree to receive the help he desperately needed.
We met Joel at his home as he got off work. We felt sick when we saw the hollow shell of the strong young man we once knew walk toward us; it confirmed our urgency to intervene. We received expected resistance from Joel, but by the grace of God, he finally agreed to take this life-changing step. Joel packed his bags, and we arrived at Capstone Treatment Center in Searcy, AR, by 9:00 am the next morning.
"One of the many people God placed into our path was Phil Bahr from Ashes to Glory Foundation. Soon after dropping Joel off at Capstone, Ashes to Glory reached out to us and offered to come alongside us."
He shared his testimony of supporting his son through an addiction, which encouraged us greatly. In addition, Ashes to Glory generously helped relieve some of our financial costs for Joel’s treatment. What a relief to put all our mental and emotional energy into supporting Joel!
Joel spent 90 days in treatment. When we brought him home, we helped him adjust to life without addiction. Joel mended broken relationships, surrendered his life to Jesus, and started putting his life back together. Praise God!
We will be forever grateful to our faithful God, Capstone Treatment Center, Ashes to Glory Foundation, church family, and everyone who prayed for our family during our darkest days.
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