Brad Jaques

MY STORY....

I came to the Mission on December 17th, 2004, from the psychiatric ward at Lakeview Hospital, after the 5th suicide attempt in 5 years. I'd been off of alcohol and drugs for approximately for 20 years, but I had not changed my behavior concerning women. I knew about God, I thought. I came to find out that I really knew very little. I knew a little about the Mission, through my sister Lori. She introduced me to Philip Arena a few years ago but I wasn't ready to make a commitment to God yet. I knew that I needed a change but to what? I got on my knees and asked God what He wanted to do. He told me I needed to come to the Mission. It wasn't the answer I wanted, I knew that I had to make a drastic change. I called the program director, Steve Bailey. He told me about the program, and he prayed for me while talking to him on the home. I knew at that moment, this was where I needed to be. I went through the 8 month "Second Chance Ranch," completed a 1 year mentor ship at the Mission Ranch and now II am part of the staff. Jesus Christ has turned my life around, completely. I have had to drop all of the old ideas I had, and become teachable. I am in the process of getting my associates degree in Christian Studies. I have gone through a course called "Experiencing God, Spiritual Warfare, and A Purpose Driven Life." It has been the only pathway to true inner peace I have ever known. Words can not express the joy, contentment, and freedom I have come to know through living a Christian Based Life. The joy I get, working with the men that come in to our programs. Knowing God has turned what the devil meant for my demise into something good. I really am "A New Creation, A Work In Progress."