Freedom From Addiction

Overwhelmed by opioid addiction, Joe was in the darkest moment of his life. It has cost him his job, his apartment, and his marriage. He knew that something had to change – he wanted more for his life, more for his children. Then Joe heard the good news of Jesus – and everything changed.

by Joe Martinez

My journey really came to a head Christmas of 2015 – my opioid addiction had become the major affliction of my life.

My ex-wife had taken full custody of my kids, I lost my job, my apartment, and the court costs had left me drowning in debt. I was in the darkest moment of my life.

I didn't recognize who I was, no one wanted to be around me. For the next few months, I was a ghost. I couldn't feel, the world didn't make sense, and I found myself grasping for anything that was stable.

That's how I found myself at CTK. I got connected with Ron Walton, the leader of the men's ministry program and he really helped me to hear the good news of Jesus.

I knew I was ready for a change. I wanted out of the darkness. I wanted more for my life, more for my children. The turning point for me was an Easter service in March of 2016.

That's when God really opened up a way for me to follow him, to take the plunge and get baptized. I said "Yes!"

I remember there were so many of us – all of these people, who like me, God was meeting in their moment. When I got to the front of the line, I couldn't believe who was there – it was my friend, Ron, ready to dunk me.

The road out of addiction wasn't easy, but having God leading the way made all the difference.

I got a new job, I finished rehab, and in the summer of 2018, I married a wonderful woman who loves God, my wife Jeannie.

The story gets better – with God and her in my corner, I was able to prove to the courts I was a different person. That I was a different man.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Five years to the day, on Christmas 2020, I got to have my kids in my home. It was the best feeling in the world. I got to dance with my daughter, I got to laugh with my son and my heart was so light.

God still continues to work in and through me. I am enrolled at Trinity Western University as Christian Studies major and I get to share the story God has given me with other people. I get to meet them in their moments of struggle and share the good news of Jesus.

STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION?

Whether you're struggling with drugs, alcohol, gambling, pornography, or some other addiction, God has more for your life. There is hope and freedom in Jesus, and no matter where you come from or where you're at, there is always a place for you at CTK. We want to come alongside you and help you find the new life Jesus offers. Let us now how we can pray for you & support you!

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Tags: church, jesus, struggle, alcohol, addiction, drug, opiod

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