my testimony

I was born June 27th 1981 in Kennewick, Wa. I have a Praying Grandmother who I am grateful for and I would like to say thank you Grandma. My parents moved to Longview when I was 2 months old.

The lie from the enemy began when I was 3 years old and I was sexually molested by a close friend of the family. From then on my life really spiraled downward, physically, mentally, and socially. I started to withdraw from the family and became a loner. In elementary school I began special ed classes and attended many different schools.

At 9 years old I started stealing my mom and dads cigarettes and smoke them. At 12 I was at Monticello Jr. High and because of the people I hing out with I started using meth and drinking alcohol. My Parents were involved in their lives and addictions. When I was in the 8th grade we moved to Winlock and we lived there until I quit school half way through my senior year. I moved to Longview and got a place of my own - a room at the men's hotel. That's when I started to use meth and drinking on a daily basis. I moved after a year to an apartment for 6 months thento a house of my own.

At age 22 I started using meth with a needle. Everything went downhill even further. I no longer cared what was right or wrong. All this time I had been trying to fill an emptiness inside not realizing it was God that I needed. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE"... Although I could not see it at the time when I look back I know God had his hand on me. As I said my life got worse I began to be involved in criminal activity my house got raided by the police and I was arrested for drug paraphernalia ( including syringes). I spent 75 days in jail with my first felony charge. They ended up dropping the charges and released me but that didn't stop me... In a short time I was arrested again this time with a felony charges that's still remain on my record.

On December 19th 2006 I was released from jail and my sweet Great Aunt (also a praying saint) said I could move in with her, but would have to go to Celebrate Recovery and all the church services with her at New Life Fellowship. I was still using drugs but I was going to church. New Life just started a revival that went on for the whole month of January. On January 20, 2007 at the revival God got a hold of me and delivered me from Meth, needle bondage, alcohol and many other hurts, habits and hang ups. Since that day I have not messed any services or celebrate recovery meetings. I have been celebrating my recovery and growing in relationship with my LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. I have 2 Years clean and sobor. John 8:36 says The Son sets free are free indeed. And today I am free. Today I have a loving relationship with my family. Today my dad who got clean a month before me is a great influence on me. I love my dad and my family and I thank them all for never giving up on me. I thank God for my life today and for CELEBRATE RECOVERY which changed my life. Today I reach out to others in active addiction and tell them what Jesus has done for me. I attend Celebrate Recovery 3 times a week Monday and Wednesday at New Life and Friday at Columbia Heights. Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Today I believe this and apply it to my own life.

God bless you all. Thank you for letting me share.