Breaking the Cycle
Client testimony by Jim Hagen
By God’s grace, it has been one year since I last drank alcohol or
used drugs. In July 2004, I arrived at New Destiny Treatment Center after
47 years of living without a clear understanding of who God is and what He
wants for my life.
It’s hard to believe what has happened to me since Jesus began transforming
my life. I thank and praise the Lord daily for how He has changed me since
I came to NDTC.
My story of destruction and despair began at a very early age. I was abused,
which led to anger and destructive behavior. In first grade I was expelled
from public school and placed in a Catholic school. I remained there three
years, but was expelled again for fighting, stealing and destroying property.
By age 12 I had been locked up many times for my behavior. I was sent away
to a boys’ school, where I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. Because
of changes in my behavior, I was eventually sent home. Life went well for
a while.
I tried to live for Christ, but I soon gave in to old behaviors and my past
reputation. By age 17, I was using drugs and drinking. For the next several
years my life was controlled by my addictions to drinking and drugs, although
I managed to maintain employment and pay my bills. I also got married and
had three children.
No matter how hard I tried, I could not manage my life. I eventually ruined
my marriage and lost my home. By age 35, my life was a complete mess.
I sought help from the Lord again. I went to church and attended Alcoholics
Anonymous meetings. I stayed clean for three years, remarried and had a son.
However, because of my past “baggage,” I was deeply depressed
and struggled constantly with temptations and cravings for drugs and alcohol.
Relapse reared its ugly head again after I began taking pain medication for
a back injury. The spiral downward was rapid. I ended up back in the same
mess with loss of job, family, cars and home.
Serious physical injuries from a car accident, depression, low self-worth
and self-pity plagued my life for the next five years. I wanted to die and
even tried to end my life. I told God that He might as well send me to hell.
A pastor recommended that I come to New Destiny Treatment Center. It was
at NDTC that I met people who really cared about me.
My life was in shambles physically, mentally and spiritually. God began working
on me and bringing me to Himself. I began to constantly pray and surrender
my life totally to Jesus Christ.
The Lord has delivered me from addiction and brought me up out of depression.
I love studying His Word. He has truly touched my heart and given me a passion
to serve Him. I have found true friends here at NDTC. They are doing God’s
will by helping point men to God.
My sincere thanks to all who support this ministry with prayer and finances.
God is using your contributions to make a big difference in the lives of
men like me who have lost all hope and are on the brink of eternal destruction.
God bless you.
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