Love Lifted Me

Dear Family Member:

The song, “Love Lifted Me,” by Kenny Rogers says, “I was sinking deep in sin…very deeply stained within…When nothing else could help, Love lifted me…Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves, He will lift you out by His love…” This is the sentiment of our client. 

Steve Borchers graduated from DAP 24 years ago, in 1998.  Upon graduating, he immediately enrolled in college and the Lord blessed him beyond measure. He was clean and sober for 10 years and has regressed on and off since 2007. Nine months ago, he regressed and almost lost his life. He re-entered DAP on January 31, 2022. Listen to his story:

Steve received a drug and alcohol certificate for attending college. While pursuing his education and keeping Jesus as the Center of his life, he met the most beautiful, smart, God-fearing woman he had ever known. They dated for a while and eventually married on January 16, 2000, a marriage ‘made in heaven.’

Steve continued his education by pursuing a BA degree in Psychology. Right before completing his degree, his wife died on March 8, 2004.  She was an Occupational Therapist. One dreadful day, while working with a patient, she suddenly collapsed to her death. The autopsy showed no cause of death. One can only imagine the devastation, confusion and hurt Steve must have gone through! He was fortunate enough to have received love and support from family and friends, as well as grief counseling.

Steve’s greatest distraction was being in school. He buried his feelings in schoolwork and trying to stay focused. It really paid off for him, he finished with a Bachelor of Arts and a 3.8 GPA. He continued to complete his MS degree in Social Work with a 3.6 GPA. A month later, Steve found employment as a counselor in the local area.

In 2007, Steve began drinking and taking pain pills for back pain. Moreover, he ceased going to church and reading his Bible. In 2011, feeling desperate, he impulsively re-entered DAP. After two weeks, he decided to leave the program, in panic of how he would pay his debts. However, the real reason was obvious, he felt the need to run to the place that he knew had provided him a quick but temporary fix; drugs.

In 2012, while working in his profession, Steve met and eventually fell in love with a lovely Christian young lady whom he met through his best friend. He did not reveal his drug use to her. However, while dating, Steve stopped his use of drugs, for a few months. Their relationship grew stronger and they were married that same year. Soon after their marriage, Steve began complaining about a previous back injury. He was given prescription pain drugs by his doctor and became addicted to them for the next two years. In 2013, his son was born, and problems of his drug use manifested, and his wife sought counseling from her family.

 Fast Forward:   In 2019, Steve sold his rental property and he and his wife bought a beautiful two-story home. The family was happy until he began to use meth again. Their lives were in shambles as Steve digressed mentally, physically and spiritually. He stopped participating in any family activities and did not fulfill his promise to coach his son’s basketball team that crushed his son’s heart. Circumstances became worse as he continued to use meth. Space will not permit the devastation that his family experienced.

In January, Steve called us from the ER in California. He was hallucinating so badly and asked to come back to DAP, so he wouldn’t die.  We happily bought him an airline ticket and we thank God for bringing him here safely. Yet, before boarding the plane, he was served one last blow, divorce papers. This was devastating to Steve and he knew it was the consequence of his choice to turn to drugs again, which only provided a temporary fix.

While here, Steve has accepted God’s forgiveness for the pain, hurt, disappointment and embarrassment that he caused his family. He has so much remorse and regret for his mistakes and the impact it had on others. He said, “The more I pray to God, read His word and continue a close relationship with Him, the more I realize that God has forgiven me for the things I’ve done. Why can’t I forgive myself too?” This is where we all come in. Steve’s mistakes are no different from ours. We must put our arms around our son to affirm him that he’s in good company. We’re all sinners saved by Grace. The key is gratitude. When we are thankful for that which we have in front of us, we become content. It’s that simple! 

Before arriving at DAP, Steve said to God, “If you save me from this hell hole and get me to DAP, I will serve you forever. I choose to let go of self and let God take over as my Shepherd and guide me wherever He wants me to go. This way, I make sure, through God ‘s grace, that an evil lifestyle will never exist in my life again. I, through God ‘s guidance, will work for DAP to help other men addicted to drugs. We serve an awesome God, mighty and powerful. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

 God has given Steve another opportunity because he asked for it. And, not only did he ask for it, Steve is actively living his commitment. His gratitude for this new lease on life has filled him with an anxious love to try and make up for that which he’s done. He has not stopped beaming and expressing thankfulness. His example to the rest of the clients is infectious. Steve is quick to volunteer to do things; showing his heart-felt appreciation. His recovery began when he made the call and he has not stopped. Though faced with excruciating circumstances, like divorce; we know God can change anything. Steve needs this time presently to heal, reflect and keep surrendering to that which he knows is best for his life. Only God can see the future, and we know that we can trust Him. Thank you, Steve, for sharing and trusting your DAP family. We love you so much!

 With hearts overflowing! 

Land Expansion Update

Thank you so much for the generous amount of $27,000 received for the land project last month.  In July, we are expecting the Chapman Sisson Architect Company to have the service rendering plans ready to show us for our approval. Next month trees will be cut down to provide space close to the recovery home for the additional two homes that will be built. We’re still in the process of waiting for the Lawrence Construction Company to put in the entrance way into the property.