Through Christ, and through the Bridge, all things are possible. Like I tell the people down in Monterrey house, you’re in the right spot.
I struggled with PTSD early in my career. I was a Sheriff for a big part of life. Before that, I was an EMT. To deal with the anxieties, I turned to alcohol. But it cost me, my family. I’m a father of three boys, and to lose contact with them, because of my addiction, hurt me deeply. I couldn’t turn my life around until I landed in jail for four months, where I was able to turn to Christ with the help of the prison Chaplain.
Before, I was a staunch atheist. I didn’t believe in God at all. But with the help of Chaplain Bob in jail, I reached a sort of spiritual awakening. I wasn’t quite there yet, as I was still a bit skeptical when I went to the Bridge afterward. I was completely defeated and reached a low point in my life that I didn’t feel optimistic or any self-worth. I still did what I was told in the program – I read my bible, attended meetings, listened to lectures, and went back and just sat in bed. After a month of just repeating the same routine, I felt like I started to get into it. God worked on my heart a little. I genuinely felt a desire to know Him better.
At the Bridge, we had the opportunity to learn from different pastors who knew our rough pasts, and they worked closely with us. They always answered my questions and encouraged us to be better. Pastor Mike looked at me and saw that I was a natural-born leader. I forgot I could lead anything, let alone myself, let alone the house, at that point. For him to see that, it helped me look at myself in a different light. My self-esteem was in full swing again.
Any expectations I had before entering the Bridge were completely exceeded after I graduated. I didn’t know if I would have a place to live or even a job after I graduated, and now I have everything provided. The program works by helping with skills and to help cultivate that relationship with Christ. At the Bridge, you meet people from all diverse walks of life, and we come together as a family, for the greater good for the house, to come to Christ.