My name is Chris, and I am 20 years old. Growing up, I had loving parents who loved Jesus. We went to church every Sunday, and at a very young age I had a relationship with God. I was privileged, and had great opportunities.
Somewhere along the line, I started believing Satan’s lies. He showed me a lifestyle off in the distance that seemed happy, fun, and fulfilling. There were fewer rules and less responsibility. This idea of lifestyle was marketed to me by the media — it was screaming at me to give in to my fleshly desires. And I had not yet had a taste.
I got curious in high school, and began indulging in what the world had to offer. This included sexual sin and pride. I became very selfish. My heart was hardened. I found my significance in what others thought of me. I started drinking and smoking pot a lot with my friends. Weed and alcohol made me feel great, seemed to get rid of all my problems, and make me feel accepted by a certain group. I made partying very habitual.
My senior year, I got kicked out of high school for selling marijuana and getting in a fight. Around this time, I was introduced to a new drug, methamphetamine. I loved it, and I made it my idol. I centered my life on the drug. I became clearly addicted.
My parents became fed up with my behavior and nonsense, so they kicked me out. Over the course of the next two years, I spent the majority of my time living on the streets, selling dope to support my habit and survive. I slept under bridges, on people’s couches, and occasionally at the Men’s Gospel Rescue Mission.
After two years of this, I became so fed up with how I was living. I was angry and bitter. I hated my life and the world. I was living in total darkness, and I knew I was headed for death and destruction. I became afraid. I had no hope. I remembered a time when life used to be beautiful and I was full of joy. I realized I had been running from God for years.
One night I cried out to Jesus, and I told Him to save me from my darkness. INSTANTLY, He revealed Himself to me in a way I cannot put on paper. In that moment, I gave my life to Jesus. A week later, He led me to the doors of Pacific Northwest Adult & Teen Challenge. I have been in Adult & Teen Challenge following Jesus for eight months now, and I love this new abundant life that the Lord has given me.
I am a completely new creation in Christ. I have found true freedom. I am blessed to be living in a place where reading Scripture, praying, and leading a Christ-like life is encouraged. I am surrounded by brothers who love me and build me up. My relationship with my family is also restored. Today, I am filled with hope, love, and joy. God is love, and Jesus shows it. He truly is the way, the truth, and the life.