Stories of Hope

My name is Jim. When I came to Mel Trotter 12 months ago, I was beaten up and beaten down. Physically, I was a mess. Spiritually, I was a dead man. Here I was, a former athlete from Tennessee State who’d become a drug addict and a drunkard.

 

I lied about my addictions. I’d catch myself saying, “Hey, I might have a problem, but it’s not as bad as what Bob’s going through. And you know what? Sam’s worse off than I am. Besides, I can quit if I want to.” Lies. All lies. I was an addict, and my addictions were destroying my life. How I thank God He directed my feet through the doors of Mel Trotter Ministries.

 

The longer I’m here, the more aware I am of the sins of my past. I used to look in the mirror and hate what I saw. Today, I can look into that same mirror and see a child of God. I’m growing in my faith. I’m taking responsibility for my life. What was once darkness has now become light. I have rediscovered the truth, and God’s truth is setting me free.

 

Thank you for keeping the doors open for someone like me. I used to look up to see my feet. It was that bad. Now when I look up I see the face of my loving Lord--and a compassionate staff here at Mel Trotter that does whatever it takes to help me keep moving in the right direction. I used to think God left me. Wrong. I left God. I knew what was right, but I chose to head off in my own direction. I went for the wide path that leads to destruction. Now the path I walk is narrower, but it’s a road that’s leading me to becoming the person God created me to be.

 

I also want to thank you who donate your time, money and volunteer efforts to Mel Trotter Ministries. You are the backbone of Mel Trotter. I know you love God, or you would not give as you do. That’s why I’m thanking you from the bottom of my heart. You know your wealth belongs to God in the first place...and through your generosity, you’re putting it back into the hands of God. God bless you.