An alcoholic for over 18 years, Andrew first started drinking at the age of 11 to numb the pain of his grandfather’s passing. As a teenager Andrew’s life spun out of control, sorrow and grief turning to hatred and violence. His rebellion led to juvenile court and then the Silver State Academy in Nevada. A military reform school, this was where Andrew first read the book, The Cross and the Switchblade! “You’re gonna need some Jesus in your life to make it out of this hell, tough guy”, a drill sargeant told him. In shame and brokenness, he cried out to God, “I’m sorry! Please help me!”

But, after serving his term, Andrew found the temptations too great, and fell back into his old habits. The next few years brought witness of a friend’s suicide, job hopping, and aimlessness. Anxious and depressed, at age 29, Andrew learned his girlfriend was pregnant. He decided to become sober because he wanted to be a good father. When his daughter was born, he was filled with joy and love, and over the next few years he fought for his parental rights.

In time, he met a woman with three children close in age to his daughter, and he thought he could create a “whole” family. And, for a while it seemed to work. But, with COVID, the children’s visitations stopped, and his drinking raged out of control. It was not long before he was asked to leave his home and found himself living in his car in the dead of winter.

Andrew’s family told him about a shelter in Elkhart and sent money for gas, but the environment scared him. He began to pray for a safe place as a next step, where he could receive help. He was led to Guidance Ministries. One day, two men asked to see him. Andrew wondered if they were there to arrest him. Instead, they asked if they could pray for him, and then suggested he seek out Adult and Teen Challenge. The prayer they prayed was for next steps, and it opened Andrew’s heart. He became overwhelmed with peace and joy. The next day, March 11, 2023, he entered ATCNI, and a year later, feels blessed and grateful to God. Battle after battle, he experiences victory after victory, through Jesus.

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds those who trust in Him.

Psalms 32:10