A Client Testimonial

One year ago today I woke up in a hotel room in Lynchburg, Virginia separated from my family with my sin publicly exposed. Over the course of this past year I have lost my marriage, family, ministry, and credibility. For years I had wanted to be free from the sins that ensnarled me, but I still struggled with feelings that led me to do inappropriate things. I remember sitting in that hotel room feeling worthless, unimportant, ashamed, guilty, and worst of all alone. Many people considered me a colossal failure. In July of last year I entered a program called HopeQuest that helps the fallen back up on their feet regardless of what sin entangles them. Over time, God showed me I was a failure when I lived according to the flesh – when I lived in my own strengths and abilities. I came into HopeQuest genuinely believing that God had given up on me. The idea of ever being used to help others seemed unimaginable. I have learned that a mistake is never a failure unless I fail to learn from it. I learned that Satan, better known as the accuser, uses traumas and failures of our history to tell us we’re worthless, insignificant, shamed, guilty and alone. Thank God that Jeremiah 31:34 says, “God will forgive our wicked ways and remember our sins no more.” Many people go to their graves carrying the baggage that I tried for years to cover up. The good news in Christ is that separate of what I’ve done, He has redeemed me! I consider one of my greatest credentials to be my failure and brokenness because it has allowed my life circumstances to minister to so many who are hurting and need help. My testimony has become one of redemption and how God redeemed me from my sinful way of life. For years I believed that I was the worst Christian who ever lived. I was in bondage to lies. Instead of living life in bondage, I’ve chosen to receive God’s unconditional love and acceptance knowing that believing that doesn’t mean I’ve reached perfection, take sin lightly, or make excuses for it. I have learned that I have victory in Christ and holding onto bitterness is nothing short of giving the devil an opportunity. I am most like Christ, when I forgive. Now, I say all this to update and let you know that God has changed me from the inside out. It’s a continual transformation, but it’s a journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. It’s in the moments of toughest love when we learn some of life’s greatest lessons. I spent several months in a residential Christian discipleship program called HopeQuest and I say from the bottom of my heart, that God has used this ministry to help me walk a successful road of recovery. I give God the glory first, but without the team at HopeQuest I could have never accomplished what I have been able to accomplish this past year. I completed the program with such a level of success that I was offered a full time position earlier this year to come onto the staff with the very people that had helped me in one of my darkest times of life. I’m writing to ask if you would prayerfully considering donating to our ministry here in Woodstock, Georgia. There are countless people looking for light at the end of a dark tunnel. Without adequate donations, we are simply unable to help in many of the areas we would like to as a ministry. I was able to attend HopeQuest because of contributions of people just like you. Many of our clients are granted scholarships to attend as I was. Without the generous support of others, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Would you please consider sending a donation to The HopeQuest Ministry Group? I am available to answer any questions that you may have. God bless!