This morning the guys slept in, no morning worship and breakfast at 9:00. They enjoyed the extra rest. They read their Friday morning assignments for Vespers tonight.
Allen Davis was asked to find a picture where he would like to commune with God. The picture shows his sister sitting at the top of Baker Mountain in Tennessee. Allen is a ‘nature boy’ and loves the outdoors.
He said, “I love and long for intimate times to spend in communion with God and the Holy Spirit. They help me stay centered and humble. I am grateful that God has allowed me to witness His beauty in nature and feel His presence.”
Kalei Luii was asked, If you could choose the meaning of your name, what would you like it to mean?
Kalei’s answer – “reborn again.” He said, “I am born again in Christ as a new creation. My old values have passed away and new ones have been taken over. All this was done for me by God who adopted me to Himself through Christ and changed me from His enemy to His friend.”
Nathan Lopez was asked, What on earth am I here for? He said, “I have been called to serve. I have been chosen to wear God’s armor. I have been called to save others. I am loved. I am here on earth to serve Jesus and to show His character. “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:9
Jacob Merchant was asked, Think about a time when God has used an encounter with nature to remind you that He is with you? He said, “Through the tall pink flowers that literally grew overnight in front of the Recovery Home. I saw God’s power through the plants. They came out of nowhere! Seeing those flowers grow made my faith stronger. As God brought them out of nowhere and made them bud quickly, I see myself as a flower. He brought me out of the dirt and made me beautiful.”
Emil Castro was asked, Are there people in your life with whom you wish to reconcile? He said. “I wish to reconcile with my ex-wife’s brother. He was driving the ATV when Malachi, my 13 year-old son, died. I don’t blame him but I wanted him to come up and talk to me at the funeral but he did not…. I should have talked with him with no condemnation but just love. I will write him a letter to tell him that I hope everything is good and that I love him.
Robert Reid was asked, What are some of the changes you have seen in your life since you have been in DAP? He said, “I had lack of interest in holding normal conversations and making friends. Since applying myself to prayer, fellowship, reading the Word, and morning worship, I have experienced a dramatic difference. Not only has conversation with others become more interesting, it has become easier. I now actually want to make new friends. DAP has shown me the benefit of making and keeping good and positive friends.
These men are learning lessons that will last a lifetime. Cliff and I are privileged to be a part of their spiritual growth.
Our beautiful Recovery
Allen Davis’s
Kalei Luii
Nathan Lopez
DAP enjoying Vesper’s on the front porch.
Jacob Merchant
Allen’s sister, Beth
Emil Castro
Robert Reid
Cliff and the clients
Jacob admiring the flowers that grew overnight.