Pastor Prince, years ago, I had walked away from a relationship with the Lord due to being hurt in church and a broken marriage. I became an alcoholic and drug addict, and my life sank to a very low, depressing level. I struggled with thoughts of suicide.

I started listening to the message of grace through your ministry a couple of years ago. It was like water to a thirsty person. It felt and sounded so good. I thought that maybe God still loved me, and there was hope. But I couldn’t stop drinking. It had such a strong hold on me. I would drink, then cry and feel guilty for drinking, and repeat this pattern daily. I would pray for the Lord to help stop the addictions.

Then one day, I heard Him say in my heart, “Is that all you want? To have alcohol and drugs removed from your life?” I stopped short and thought, “Wow, this is a big question. Is that really all I want? To just have addictions gone from my life? Then what?” I realized that, no, it wasn’t just about not wanting to be plagued by addiction. I also wanted a good relationship with the Lord and to be filled with His Holy Spirit.

Within days, I wasn’t drinking or doing drugs. This Easter Sunday was my 1-year anniversary of being free from a 20-year addiction to daily drinking. I have a job surrounded by kind people, which is a change as people in my previous jobs were harsh and difficult. I also signed the paperwork to buy my own house. I haven’t had my own home in those 20 years of addiction.

The Lord told me He would lift me out of the dunghill, and He has. I give Him all the glory and praise for His mercy toward me. Thank you for the message of grace and God’s unfailing love. The message of grace doesn’t lead to more sin. It leads to a closer walk with our Father, who is gentle and kind.

Thank you to your praying staff. I’ve put in so many desperate prayer requests when I didn’t think I could make it any farther. Thank you all for being there and loving Jesus.