LIFE: It just keeps getting better & better

Hey John. Been a looong time-not even sure how long exactly anymore! Thought i'd give u an update. Studying b.com economics at Fort Hare East London. Still 1st yr, but bagged myself 4 out of 5 distinctions last semester :) so everyone's pretty chuffed at my recent real achievement. Been in a stable relationship with a wonderful guy for almost a yr and a half now. So yay character judgement! Yesterday my mom was telling me how good it all is. Said she used to blame herself a lot for being so naive, but we can't live in the past. And although she wouldn't wish to live any of it again, the way i've turned out, she couldn't wish for a better daughter. So thanks again! I probably would never have gotten over my my petty emo teenage issues or taken accountability if it wasn't for collin driving me or you gently guiding me to. Good tactic by the way, good cop bad cop ;) lol. Just wanted to let u know that u guys do the most amazing service to society, helping one individual at a time to reach their potential.Keep up the good work. And thanks again. Truly.

I would like to take this opportunity to briefly describe how Bethesda rehab home saved my life.

In March 2006 my drug addiction had brought me to the lowest point in my life. I was a walking skeleton; I had isolated and abused everyone who ever cared for me. I had a suspended sentence for theft and was facing new charges, and believed I was on my way to prison. Apart from that, I had given up any hope of a normal life, a life without the use of drugs; I didn’t think it was possible for me. I can’t even begin to describe how afraid and hopeless I felt.

My mother found the Bethesda's e-mail address on the internet when she was desperately searching for advice about Government treatment centres, as we knew it would be impossible for us to afford any kind of private drug treatment -I had, by this stage exhausted all finances and stolen anything of worth from my family.
Colin and his rehabilitation counsellors read my mom's e-mail and, by the Grace of God, the next thing I knew my parents were driving me up to Bethesda rehabilitation and recovery home.

I was petrified, not knowing what to expect, not knowing how I would survive the following days without any drugs. When I arrived Colin and his team just wrapped loving arms of grace around me, both literally and figuratively. Over the following weeks they helped me begin a journey of self discovery, which eventually turned into recovery. By their example I was able to experience the love of God, true unconditional love, the type of love that comes with hard truths I learned about myself and my behaviours. They also offered a wide range of drug treatment courses which really helped me in many areas, for eg. Learning to deal with feelings of anger, learning how to set and respect boundaries, learning about the nature of drug addiction from the beginning stages of denial, right through to how to deal with relapse.

I ended up staying for 7 months and am clean and drug rehabilitated today. My family and I are healing our broken relationships and are pillars of strength for each other these days. My father passed away last year, but I got to spend 3 of the most precious years with him, proud of his "little girl" again. I am the happiest and most fulfilled I have ever been in my life, and am now able to offer hope to other struggling addicts and their families.  Life is obviously not always easy, but Bethesda has given me the tools with which to cope. I am truly grateful to Colin and his team; they are doing Gods work and saving lives.

Kind Regards and God bless

Kathy Twine

I came into Bethesda a hopeless alcoholic. I was failing in most areas of my life, despite being two years qualified as a chef in a very large hotel.

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“Freedom”!! I cannot start without mentioning that word.

My name is Tom, 46-years-old. I have been fighting a six year death sentence against addiction. I arrived at Bethesda a broken man. Spiritually - physically and emotionally. I was so filled with deceit it was as if it had me bound to a miserable soul destroying life.

For my first week here I drowned in self-pity and shame. The guilt, lonelieness and  anxiety I thought would never go away, have now left me. Having my life of deception and lies exposed not only to myself but to the other clients by Colin was very hard, I cried myself to sleep for most of the first week.

A week-and-a-half late, during a study on 'faith', something started to stir inside me. I listened to some people in the group as they spoke about putting all their worldly things before seeking God, and I then realized that I could actually identify with that attitude, and at that very moment my desires started to change. I suddenly just wanted to stand up in the group and start shouting “Thank You Lord.”

I just exploded with joy. There was an internal explosion of joy at the knowledge of freedom. I was free, I had been set free. I cannot go back to the life I have led after experiencing this forgiveness and love of God. Even as I write I feel a living Joy inside of me and I cannot lose the urge to just shout “Thank You Jesus -Thank You Jesus.”

I know that I have so much to unlearn and to learn.  as if I have become a Christian still in nappies. This beautiful Bethesda is helping me to identify my needs. I just feel so deeply hungry to learn as much as I can about this beautiful Saviour Jesus Christ.

All the pain, shame and helplessness, I will never forget, but I know now that forgiveness lifts burdens. I can now be patient. How beautiful it is to be loved and to feel love. I have feelings and emotions again; thank you Jesus – thank you Bethesda – thank you Colin, grace and forgiveness are beautiful living words. I am so, so grateful.

14 October 2005 - Storms River Village