Wesley, a St. Louis native, recalls how his struggles with narcotics, alcohol, and a reckless lifestyle culminated in a head-on collision that left him in a coma. “That accident was my wake-up call,” Wesley says. “It brought me to Heartland and the start of my recovery.”
At Heartland, Wesley experienced genuine love and support. “When I arrived, the guys rallied around me, even putting together a suit and tie for church when I didn’t have one,” he shares. “They showed me what it’s like to love like Christ loves us.”
Now a firm believer in Jesus, Wesley is preparing for a new chapter in a faith-based work transition program in Springfield, Missouri. His advice to others is simple yet powerful: “Start reading the Bible, take it seriously, and let the Holy Spirit change your heart over time.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider taking the first step toward a new life. Visit Heartland Recovery and discover the hope and transformation that’s possible through Jesus.
Walking Through Recovery | Jordan’s Story
Jordan from Hannibal, Missouri, found himself drawn into a destructive lifestyle through the guys he started working with, as a young man he was completely unaware of how deeply it would impact the rest of his life. “It was a slow beginning for me,” he shares. “I didn’t just fall into it—I slowly began to do things I normally wouldn’t do, and over time, it became who I was.” By 2008, Jordan faced the consequences of his actions, serving four years in prison for crimes rooted in his drug addiction. Rather than change his life continued to spiral further into chaos, “I didn’t realize I was under demonic influence,” he admits. “My life was in bondage, and I didn’t know that’s what was going on.”
Jordan eventually found his way to the Heartland Recovery Program, where he learned accountability and began to rebuild his life through faith. He committed himself to Christ in 2022, embracing a transformative path. “The biggest change was learning to trust in God and surrender my ways. I’ve found restoration in my relationships and discovered that addiction wasn’t my problem—sin was.”
Addiction is messy, and recovering from depending on it takes time and accountability. If you or someone you know is looking for a safe place to recover and heal please reach out to us today!
Not Beyond Redemption
There’s a line from The Shawshank Redemption that often comes to mind when I think of my dear friend Don Roper: “I have to remind myself that some birds aren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they’re gone. I guess I just miss my friend.”
Don was one of those rare people whose light shined brightly wherever he went. I have countless memories of him, but one that stands out is the day he shared his testimony at the Heartland Recovery Program.
Don had a long and impactful career as a warden at Potosi Correctional Center in Missouri. During his testimony, he recounted a powerful story about a man on death row. Just minutes before his execution, Don asked the man if he had any final words. His response was unforgettable: “Pray for the other inmates because some of them don’t know Jesus.”
This man, who had committed three homicides, could have said anything in his final moments. Yet, by God’s grace, his last words were a prayer for others to find salvation in Christ. As Don told this story, he wept—not just for the man’s transformation, but for the incredible power of God’s grace to save even those we might consider beyond redemption.
Don’s life was a testament to that same grace. He was a faithful servant who loved God and loved people. Every Thursday, Don would come to the Heartland Men’s Recovery Program to attend PowerBarn, our men’s service. He wasn’t just a visitor—he was a mentor, a friend, and a constant source of encouragement for the residents. His desire to serve was rooted in his love for Jesus, and he poured that love into everyone he met.
I count myself incredibly blessed to have known Don Roper. His friendship, faith, and compassion left an indelible mark on my life and on the lives of so many at Heartland. While I miss him deeply, I rejoice in knowing that his legacy of faith continues to inspire us all.
Scott Miller
HMRP Assistant Director
Heartland Recovery E-Newsletter
Looking for more information about Heartland Recovery, or for ways you can partner with us? Use this link to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter and info about upcoming events – https://hlandrecovery.org/partner-with-us/
Heartland Community | 2024 Year in Review
Our annual “Year in Review” is here, and we’re celebrating an unforgettable 2024! From school events and mission trips to graduations and personal recovery victories, this year has been packed with God’s goodness. We’ll take a moment to remember the baptisms that changed lives, welcome the little ones born into our community, and honor the loved ones we said goodbye to. It’s been a year of “Standing Firm” as God’s family. Join us as we look back and celebrate all the amazing things God is doing here in Heartland, right in the middle of this cornfield.
Contact us at:
6417 Shelby CR 150, Suite A, Bethel, MO 63434
573-633-5603
www.heartland-ministries.org
Thankful For Recovery
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!