A letter from a mother:

The phone call came late at night from the local hospital telling me to come to the emergency room. "Your son is being treated for an injury - and he's intoxicated."
That wasn't the beginning - or the end - of the trouble. There were brushes with the police, lies and cover-ups, a failed attempt to enlist in the military, treatment for alcohol addiction, and other serious events.
I'm the mother of this intelligent, loving, sensitive young man who, despite the pain and disappointment, has given his family and friends such tremendous joy. He has a gentle spirit, a compassionate heart, and a keen sense of humor. But he has always marched to his own beat.
His curious nature as a young teen led to experimenting with nicotine and alcohol. Later on it was fast cars and stronger drugs, resulting in more reckless behavior. He completed high school with great potential, but dropped out of college and tried a succession of jobs. He lost weight, couldn't sleep, and developed stomach problems. We tried most everything, hoping he'd turn his life around, and prayed that he wouldn't end up in prison - or dead. At his formal sentencing, I remembered to be thankful he was alive.
He was convicted of illegally obtaining prescription painkillers and sentenced to 90 days incarceration and 3 years probation. It was a first felony offense, but the culmination of his years spent "living on the edge". That day, after months of court appearances, depositions, and uncertainty, God made a decision. Actually two.
In the first, God's mercy was delivered through a stem, but fair, judge. The prosecutor agreed that the 90-day sentence could be served in a court sanctioned rehabilitation facility instead of incarceration. We were so thankful and immediately began the search. There were hours of phone calls, source referrals, and repeated refusals - because there were no vacancies. If immediate placement wasn't found, he would go to jail.
God's second decision came through a Christian friend who provided our family the answer - Isaiah House. Within two weeks our son was in Hustonville. Realizing this could be his last chance, he pledged to come back a changed man.
God's Word tells us that, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6) and told us He'd be with us to the end of the world. It's often true that a person can't see what it will take to save his life until he nearly loses it. People on the path of self-destruction are blinded by Satan - they just don't "get it".
My son went to Isaiah House an emotional wreck, mentally and physically exhausted. He says he wasn't sure he'd make it through the first week. The physical part of rehabilitation addressed his body's need for discipline through scheduled meals, rest, and assigned work in a drug-free environment.
But the greater need was finding and accepting a life-saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
At Isaiah House, daily group Bible study and prayer was intensive and required, as was church attendance and participation. A brief phone call after the first week assured us he was adjusting and had a positive attitude.

Toward the end of the second week the letter came - I still have it. It reads in part, "Something wonderful is happening to me... I can't explain the peace I feel but I have a feeling you already know. God's spirit is working in me already (9 days)... it's all going to be O.K. There is some awesome stuff happening here... I am so amazed."
That 90 days has long since passed, and everyday struggles have returned. But last year I was present for my son's testimony at a large gathering. His words were personally revealing and obviously heartfelt - I've never been prouder of him. I know that while it was difficult to publicly admit his past, there was undoubtedly someone in that audience who needed to hear that no matter where you've been. God can lead you where you need to be.
To say that Mark or Lloyd - or the program at Isaiah House - saved my son would be a misstatement. God saved him. But Mark and Lloyd, the volunteers at Isaiah House, and the churches and the individuals who contribute to support the ministry, were all standing in the gap at the crossroads of my son's life. There are no words to express my gratitude. I do believe the Isaiah House ministry did - and can - make all the difference in a man being completely lost - or blessedly found!

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

A letter from an aunt:

Dear Mark,

I am the aunt of Robbie F. I want to thank you for providing Robbie with a safe have & for helping him to get his life back on the right path. I am so thankful that Robbie & other young men like have a place like Isaiah House where they can feel safe & more importantly are introduce to the love of grace & mercy of our Lord through Jesus Christ our Savior. I am so thankful that Robbie has developed a relationship with the Lord & is attending Church. I think as long as he keeps his eyes focused on God he will be able to remain drug free. I am thankful Robbie has been given a second chance to right his wrongs. I know he will continue to struggle from time to tie but I hope what he has learned from your teachings will help him to be strong & resist the temptations he will face on a daily basis. I am proud of how Robbie has matured & how far he has come in a year’s time. I hope his testimony can help other young men who are in similar situations.

Thanks again for helping Robbie to get his life back on the right track. I will continue to pray & support your ministry. God Bless you & your family for the work that you do.

Connie P.