Blog - Heartland Recovery

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!

Friendsgiving

Recovery, Women's Program

The Heartland Women’s Home has hosted a “Friendsgiving” for about ten years. This year was one for the books! Each resident was responsible for choosing two side dishes, making sure she had all the needed ingredients, and then making the dish. Much time went into thinking over old family favorites and combing cookbooks for ideas. All of the hard work did not disappoint! We had a beautiful layout of food. For some of our residents, this was their first time participating by contributing dishes. We kept our two ovens and two stove tops busy.

We tried something new this year: each resident could invite two ladies from outside the women’s home. Friends from our community and friends from other churches were invited. We had an incredible turnout. About 25 ladies gathered in the women’s home to share fellowship, friendship, and food. All of the effort showed.

Our ladies raved about how much fun they had. One thing that addiction frequently steals is healthy social gatherings; one of the focus points in our programs is to introduce residents to gatherings where, once again, they can learn to relate to others and, to copy a saying from Mr. Barton, “I can tell how much God loves me by seeing who He places around me.” Both hearts and bellies were full. If you came to our event, thank you for taking an evening to love on our ladies.

Happy Thanksgiving from Heartland Women’s Recovery Program residents and staff.

Walking Through Recovery | Josh Thomas’s Story

Exit Interview, Recovery Stories

A teenage affair with his youth pastor’s wife threw Josh’s life into chaos. He dropped out of school and turned to alcohol, but it just lead him further away from the healing he needed. The alcohol lead to hard drugs, Josh knew he needed to find help.

At the age of 39 he woke up, “I realized if I didn’t do something, I was going to die.” A friend had once mentioned Heartland, but Josh dismissed it, feeling he didn’t need such an intensive program. However, after years of deepening struggles, he decided to give it a chance. Heartland provided a place of support and care, allowing Josh to reconnect not just with others, but also with God in a way he never had before. “The biggest change in my life was that when I sought God, He was found, and He answered me,”

To those who feel trapped in their struggles, Josh offers a heartfelt message: “Wherever you are, whatever you’re going through, know that God cares and wants to help. Heartland is here for you, but the answer is Jesus.” Seek out support, call on God, and take the first step toward healing.

At Heartland Recovery, we want to help. We’ve removed one of the biggest roadblocks to taking that next step toward freedom—the cost of treatment—thanks to the generosity of donors who fully fund Heartland Recovery programs for men and women wanting to change. Call today.

Walking Through Recovery | Devon’s Story

Exit Interview, Recovery Stories

Devon’s struggle began early in life when he turned to alcohol and, eventually, drugs to cope with unresolved trauma. Reflecting on those dark years, he says, “I tried repeatedly to stop on my own… I felt so alone and didn’t know how to quit.”

A pivotal moment led him to Heartland, where he found not only support but a sense of belonging. “Coming to Heartland and getting to know God… has been the best thing that ever happened to me,” Devon explains. Surrounded by a community that embraced him in a Godly way, he discovered how to live, connect, and fellowship without the need for substances. His life and relationships have flourished, and he now understands what it means to be a Christian man.

To anyone still struggling, Devon urges, “Don’t try to go through it alone. You need God, and you need people to help you.” If you or someone you know is battling addiction, take that first step toward freedom and reach out for support. The journey is challenging, but it is undeniably worth it. If you or someone you know is looking for hope, freedom, or peace reach out to us today!

Addiction & The Church Seminar – Recap & Resources

Addiction Information, News, Recovery

Heartland Recovery held a 1-day informational seminar designed to provide church leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to help their congregation effectively identify, support, and welcome these individuals impacted by addiction and incarceration. Speakers for the event had a broad range of experience in areas which included licensed counseling, prison ministry, recovery programs and support groups, higher education, leading churches and outreach ministries, and more.

Addiction and the Church | Session #1 Addiction Awareness Introduction – Dave Evans

Session1 Addiction Awareness Introduction – Dave Evans

Dave Evans started off Addiction and the Church seminar. He became a bi-vocational pastor in 1985. In 1996 I began my career in forensics, moving into Corrections a year later as a half-time chaplain and full-time Substance Abuse Counselor before becoming Licensed as an LPC in 2005. He has worked in Corrections, been director of a residential program, president of a Substance Abuse Task Force as well as worked in programs with Drug Courts in Missouri and Arkansas. With an emphasis in bi-vocational ministry, He continued to have a passion for individuals in recovery while working in the counseling field.

Presently, Dave still pastors bi-vocationally in a church in Rome, MO, which supports outreach programs for youth and adults in recovery. He is a professional counselor at Missouri Ozarks Community Health doing mental health and substance abuse in the community where he lives.

For Dave, addiction isn’t just about poor decisions—it’s a disease that fundamentally alters the brain, taking control over a person’s life and behavior. Drawing from his experience working in prisons and recovery programs, he highlights how even individuals society might view as “throwaways” deserve compassion and a chance to heal. Dave believes the church should be a place of refuge for those struggling with addiction, offering grace and support without judgment. Dave believes the church can play a crucial role in helping others find their way back to themselves.

Addiction and the Church | Session #2 Being a Welcoming & Loving Church

Session2 A Welcoming and Loving Church -Dr. Kris Palmer
Session2 Being a Welcoming & Loving Church -John Hanley

For session #2, we get to hear from two dedicated leaders: Pastor Kris Palmer from Heartland Community Church and John Hanley from Life Church in Kirksville, MO. Here’s a little more about their backgrounds and what they will share:

KRIS R. PALMER, PhD President, Heartland Christian College and Pastor, Heartland Community Church With a background in probation and parole, Dr. Palmer has spent over two decades at Heartland, actively working in a community devoted to healing and restoring broken lives. In this session, Dr. Palmer will provide insights into understanding addiction through a theological lens, focusing on how the church can serve as a welcoming and loving space for all individuals.

JOHN HANLEY Business Owner and Church Deacon John Hanley, a deacon at Life Church in Kirksville, Missouri, draws from his experience with Celebrate Recovery and his day-to-day interactions in business. He will speak about the importance of walking alongside those struggling with addiction, showing empathy, and living life with them, just as Jesus did, without judgment.

This session will provide valuable perspectives on creating a church environment that embraces and supports individuals through the challenges of addiction.

Addiction and the Church | Session #3 Discipling Through Addiction – Adrienne Miller

Session3 Discipling Through Addiction – Adrienne Miller

Adrienne Miller, MCB Supervisor and CRADC, shares her insights on “Discipling Through Addiction.” As the Director of the Heartland Women’s Recovery Program, Adrienne brings over 20 years of experience, having once been a resident in the Heartland Recovery Program herself. Her journey from addiction to freedom inspires her commitment to helping others achieve the same hope and healing.

In this session, Adrienne will cover essential topics including: Effective communication strategies for engaging with addicts Understanding the boundaries of giving and support Managing expectations while assisting those in recovery Providing practical resources to aid in the healing process

Whether you’re involved in a church ministry or simply seeking to support loved ones struggling with addiction, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to disciple effectively through addiction. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Adrienne’s experience and passion for empowering others in their recovery journey.

Addiction and the Church | Session #4 Recognition & Right Response – JC Morgan/James Bridges

Session4 Recognition of an Addict Coming to Church – JC Morgan
Session4 Recognition & Right Response – James Bridges

J.C. Morgan and James Bridges tackle the critical topics of recognizing addiction within the church community and responding effectively. Both speakers bring personal experiences and insights gained through their journeys of recovery and ministry.

J.C. Morgan, M.A.A.D.C. 1, is a Group Leader at the Heartland Men’s Recovery Program. After enduring 20 years of active addiction and nearly 13 years in prison, J.C. found healing and deliverance through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ at Heartland 10 years ago. For the past eight years, he has been dedicated to helping men navigate their recovery journeys through a specific discipleship program. J.C. will share vital insights on the “Recognition of an Addict Coming to Church” and the “Right Response for a Pastor,” equipping you to better support those struggling with addiction.

James Bridges has a powerful story of transformation, having started his journey with substance abuse at a young age, leading to years of addiction and incarceration. After calling out to God for rescue in 2003, he has dedicated the last 20 years to addictions ministry. As a co-founder of Harvest Outreach Sober Living Ministries and a member of the 10 District Court Treatment court team, James has extensive experience in supporting individuals in recovery. He will address the “Right Response for a Pastor,” “Connecting with Others,” “Offering Practical Support,” and “Respecting Their Privacy.” James looks forward to sharing his dual perspective as both an addict and a pastor, offering insights into effectively working with addiction in the church.

This session is designed to empower pastors and ministry leaders to recognize addiction and respond with compassion and effectiveness.

Addiction and the Church | Session #5 Pursuing the Addict – Raymond Stedman/Bobby Godwin

Session5 Pursuing the Addict Outside the Church – Raymond Stedman
Session5 Pursuing The Addict – Prison Ministry- Pastor Bobby Godwin

Raymond Stedman and Bobby Godwin explore the vital topic of reaching out to addicts beyond the church walls. Both speakers bring a lot of personal experience and a deep commitment to ministry, providing insights into how the church can effectively engage with individuals struggling with addiction in various community settings.

Raymond M. Stedman, Jr., Director of Recovery at Addicts Victorious Horizons Social Services, grew up in a pastor’s home but faced his own battles with addiction, becoming an alcoholic and drug user before finding hope through the Adult & Teen Challenge program in 2011. Raymond is passionate about pursuing individuals struggling with addiction, particularly in homeless and shelter ministries and street outreach. He will share his insights on how the church can actively reach out to those in need and foster transformation and hope in their lives.

Robert “Bobby” Godwin has a rich background in leadership and ministry. After committing his life to Christ at 18, he built a successful career with General Electric before answering the call to pastoral ministry. As the founder of Life Church and now Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church, Bobby is dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission by sharing the Gospel wherever he can, including prisons and rehabilitation centers. He will speak on “Pursuing the Addict Outside of the Church,” emphasizing the importance of prison and rehab ministry as vital avenues for outreach.

Here are some practical ways the church can engage with and support addicts in the community, fostering a culture of love, support, and transformation.

Addiction and the Church | Session #6 Q&A

After listening to our speakers the audience had chance to ask questions of the speakers during a Q&A session. Our panel of experts provided thoughtful insights and practical advice on a range of topics, including:

Exploring the implications of marijuana use and how it relates to addiction and spiritual health. Guidance on how to effectively talk to a grandson struggling with addiction, focusing on compassion and understanding. Strategies for reconciling relationships affected by addiction, fostering forgiveness, and rebuilding trust.

Walking Through Recovery | Shawn’s Story

Exit Interview, Recovery Stories

Shawn’s life quickly went off the rails after his father was sentenced to death for murder. Shawn was just 11 years old. Eleven years later he was called in to witness his father’s execution. The pain and anger were uncontrollable, recounts Shawn, which “began a mountain of pain in my life. …Over the course of 26 years I battled drugs and alcohol to try and numb the pain.”

Eventually, after years in and out of jail, Shawn found himself facing a long sentence for a petty crime. The courts were done with Shawn; his family was done with him; finally he cried out to God for help and was handed an application to the Heartland Recovery Program. At Heartland, he began to finally work through his pain, forgiving those he once hated; miraculously, even the man who executed his father.

Through Scripture, counseling, and support from the Heartland Community, Shawn found peace, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of purpose. Shawn shared this for others fighting the battle of addiction, “There’s hope and there’s freedom and peace.”

Brokenness leads many people into addiction as they try to cope or hide from their problems. Heartland Recovery is here to help you not just get sober, but to point you to the One who can truly heal. If you or someone you know is looking for hope, freedom, or peace reach out to us today!