Dennis Sarslow

 When I was 18 years old, I joined the Navy. All my hopes and dreams were in front of me. I lived life as a sailor for 10 years, just traveling, seeing the world with no cares in the world. Every single man's dream! When I was thirty, I met and married my dream girl and in the course of our 7 years marriage we had two beautiful boys who today are still my best friends. They are eight and four years old.

On September 25, 2007, a friend, fearful for my safety, called the police to let him into my apartment. When they got in, I was half-dead. They admitted me to mental health for severe depression, malnutrition and detoxification. Thankfully, God had a better plan for me. My doctor allowed me to meet with Pastor Howard and I enrolled in the Highways and Hedges program.

 Since my enrollment here I have came to know and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I was baptized in September 2008, at the Hume lake retreat. I have been training through the ministry and Brick Mailbox Company to become a welder/fabricator. Its great to be a graduate!

Mark Banuelos

 I would like to give you a brief update on how I am coming along.  I know I am getting stronger in the Lord and His promises day by day.  He shows me something new everyday.  If you open your eyes, mind and heart to Him, He will show you too.  I am truly amazed how He has lifted me up from the streets.  I was tied up in the bondage of drug usage and a non-prosperous lifestyle.  Since coming and finding new life through Christ, it only gets better.  Understand that I still have day’s that are not as great as the day before.  But, Jesus Christ Lord and Savior will bring you to a brighter and more promising future. It’s feels great to be a graduate! This program has made me a better man.

Alan Abston

“Back against the wall” and “rock bottom” was a familiar theme in my earlier life. For 30 years I had been addicted to drugs, to the point where I had only one tooth left. This contributed to my failed marriages, and loss of all that was dear to me. I was tired of being a failure in life and marriage and desperate for a change in my life.

Fortunately someone told me how I could make that change and I was really ready to listen. They shared with me how I could know for certain I have eternal life. I made a decision to accept the eternal life and from that time on I have peace in my heart, strength in my body and self respect. Now I enjoy and appreciate what life has to offer, but more importantly I value the eternal life that I have now.

With all the things going bad in the world today, I am very happy that I have eternal life. By the grace of God He took away my want for drugs and cigarettes. And, by His power I am now able to read and understand His Word. These changes came when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I will always remember that Heaven is a free gift,

 Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I know grace is not earned or deserved, Ephesians 2:8, 9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and not from yourselves. It is the gift of God not by works, so that none can boast.”

God led me to Highways and Hedges and to Pastor Ham. God has also led me to do E.E.

and Celebrate Recovery. I am a Sponsor for 3 men whom I meet with on a regular basis.

I am now involved with my church and with CTM’s Children’s Church. All of this makes my heart so happy. My friends and family can see that I have changed. This brings me so much joy. Every day I thank God for my work, my church, my friends and my family that loves me.

If God can change me and turn my life around he can do so for you too.