I was resistant to entering an addiction treatment center. I didn’t think I had a problem. It certainly wasn’t my idea to go to a drug rehab that had a Christian Program and yet there I was in a Florida Christian Rehab with drunks, addicts and religious nuts. I was forced to come here by the courts so I couldn’t leave and it was all I could do to not bolt and go on the run. They keep the program tracks separate so I didn’t have to put up with someone trying to save my soul. At the end of the treatment day we were all together in a mixed community back at the apartments.
I have always enjoyed “people watching” and it was no different in this Florida Christian Rehab. At night I would see some of the Christians get together with their bibles and talk about stuff from the bible while everyone else told drug stories. I felt uncomfortable with the drug talk because it made me want to use and I didn’t know anything about the bible, so I isolated. One night a girl from the Christian Program asked if I wanted to join them. She was hot, I was lonely, and so I accepted the invite. At first it was awkward but they were so cool and non-threatening and they didn’t focus on me so I stayed. I started to hang out with this group and saw they were different; they were positive, focused, and irritatingly nice to everyone.
I made a decision to go to church with the group; it was a large church and well attended. The pastor picked out some biblical scripture to talk about and related those scriptures to everyday life. He was very skillful and I found myself listening, identifying with the information he presented. This was nothing like the church I attended as a child with all the ceremonies and strict tradition. At the end of the service the pastor invited people to come forward and accept Christ in their life. Many people went forward even some from the Florida Christian Rehab and I felt a pressure in my chest, I became overwhelmed and I felt tears forming in my eyes. I was confused and maybe a little scared. I did not go forward that night but the seed had been planted. Three weeks later I was one of those accepting Christ in my life and it has made all the difference. The treatment at the drug rehab was excellent and I am still in recovery after three years but becoming a believer will be an everlasting gift.