Derek Hill
Wow! What a difference a year can make. I originally entered The Salvation Army about a year ago. My life as I knew it had been totally destroyed. Due to the disease of addiction I relied on alcohol to hide and cope with the feelings and thoughts that the disease carries with it. Because of this I lost the two people I cared for the most, my wife and young son. After they left another demon surfaced; gambling. During a six-month around the clock drinking and gambling spree I lost everything I had, my home, my car, credit, and any sense of self respect or hope that I had.
I distinctly remember lying in the dungeon I had created and asking God to please give me a miracle to get my life back. Directed to the Salvation Army, a place I didn't know existed, my road to recovery began. Here, God put people in my life that only He could have done; a counselor I trusted to deal with my addiction, directors and department heads to help with my divorce and bankruptcy. Most importantly this place gave me the time to sort through my problems and thoughts. With that I now have a faith in God, which I now know is alot more than simply believing He exists. Today, after having graduated the program four months ago, I am an employee of the Salvation Army and I am a father to my son, spending time with him and providing for his needs. The miracle that I asked for was granted. I sincerely thank God for The Salvation Army. It has given me my life back.