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About 3 weeks ago I was sitting in a balcony seat waiting for church service to begin. I am always a little anxious coming to my church, though I wouldn’t describe the anxiousness as a bad thing. It is more about the anticipation of how God will use this time to speak to me. I remember saying to myself, “I wonder if today is the day?”
On cue, a song ripples through the sanctuary engaging both young and old alike. Clearly, the Holy Spirit is touching the hearts and souls of the congregation as they raise their hands and their voices in unison. When the song comes to an end, the campus pastor walks out to welcome everyone and makes a few announcements. As I listen my stomach begins to roll up tight in knots.
After the announcements, the pastor declares, “Today we celebrate life change.” At that moment, I didn’t hear anything else. I knew today was indeed the day. The lights go dim and the video begins. The video features a young woman sharing her story of addiction with drugs, alcohol, and adultery. Her emotions were raw, and her words were authentic. Yet, through it all, she found unspeakable joy and confidence. It is clear she is forsaking those things to follow Jesus. The staff person speaks a few words, then lowers her into the water and out again. Horns blare, confetti cannons go off, and there is a lot of shouting as everyone applauded together. It is an exuberant but beautiful time.
Her story reminds me that what we do at HopeQuest is worth it. Working with people struggling with addiction is hard, draining, and sometimes frustrating. But in the end, new chapters are written, and individuals and families find hope.
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