A note from a great friend of Heartland, Ray Miller:
This Thanksgiving, I find myself thankful for the unselfish dedication of the men and women at Heartland Recovery, Ministry, and Community. I am thankful for our son, daughter-in-law, and numerous cherished friends who have committed their lives to the service of God in this life changing ministry. I am reminded of the words Billy Graham once said “The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.”
Friends, my passion for caring for those that the world gave up on blossomed during my 34 year tenure at a maximum security prison. Early in my career, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that addiction can have on individuals. However, I also saw that once the cycle was broken, most were no different than you or I. Many of us have had a season in our lives where we lived as the song goes: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love”. Yet, through God’s grace and mercy, we were rescued. It’s a realization that far too often comes only to those who have been through it. Friends make no mistake, Jesus is the answer! and many of the folks at Heartland have lived it, and now have a passion to help the hurting and lost.
I would like to share a story about a man who worked for me at the prison. He has been incarcerated now for over 50 years on four counts of first-degree murder and rape. A book was even written about his crime, as well as many Youtube videos due to its horrific nature. Despite the other inmates avoiding him, believing him to be crazy and dangerous, he revealed over the years his true self to me, and we formed a close relationship.
The message I wish to convey is to never give up on a friend or family member struggling with addictions. Addiction controls every facet of their lives and alters their brains chemistry. They have become a slave to what was once pleasurable. Pray for them, love them, and encourage them, but don’t give up on them and refrain from enabling them financially. Speak to them with love about seeking the help they need. By doing so, you are helping to save the life of a person that matters to God. To paraphrase the words of John Bradford “there but for the grace of God goes (insert your name).”
Now as this story becomes full circle, please consider discussing Heartland Recovery with those you know. This organization has a proven track record of breaking addictions through Jesus Christ, and they offer their services free of charge, and that my friends is the love of Christ. This is possible due to the generosity of people like you and me, who have a passion to help those in need of a fresh start in life. 1 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
To learn more about the program, please follow the link, and if you are able please consider helping by donating, and if unable prayer is a powerful gift.
Remember, Jesus is the Answer!