TESTIMONIES

When I arrived in Myrtle Beach in early 2023, I was in one of the darkest places of my life. My addiction had consumed me to the point where I was barely functioning. The only thing I could do was go home to my parents, who had recently moved here from Charlotte.

It was an unexpected opportunity for a fresh start, though I had no real intention of turning my life around. In fact, I didn’t even plan on making it to Myrtle Beach. A 9 hour drive through multiple states gave me plenty of time to think, and the thoughts I had during that drive were some of the darkest I’ve ever known. I felt like I’d lost everything, like my life had been completely flipped upside down, with no light in sight. Looking back, I now see that the fact I made it to my parents’ house in one piece was God’s subtle hand guiding me toward a new chapter in my life.

A few months later, I was still far from "recovery." I spent 40 days in a rehab facility in Hilton Head, SC, where I became the house leader and worked with the cleaning crew, trying to help the other men because, in my mind, “I wasn’t as bad as them.” But after those 40 days, I returned to Myrtle Beach and attended an AA meeting. I lasted about 10 minutes before I walked out and headed straight to the liquor store. Those 40 days of progress quickly unraveled, and once again, I found myself spiraling downward. I could barely function on a daily basis, but that was the extent of what I could manage.

My Aunt Nicole suggested a church that supposedly helped people in situations like mine. Little did I know, that visit would be life changing. The first person I saw when I walked in was a beautiful blonde with a smile and personality that could only be described as angelic. At the time, my first thought was, "This girl is too happy. She has no idea what I’ve been through. She’s had an easy life."

That beautiful blonde was Racheal. And as many of you know, I was completely wrong in my judgment. As we grew closer, I eventually felt safe enough to open up to her and share what I was really going through. For years, I had carried so much shame and hurt, believing no one could understand the pain I felt from my mistakes. I thought there was no way out of that darkness.

But Racheal did for me what we all need to do for others, she showed me patience, hope, and most importantly, GRACE. She listened without judgment, letting me spill out all my mistakes, my shame, and my fears. She never flinched at anything I said. In fact, as she began sharing her own story with me, I found myself thinking, “Man, you need to toughen up. Your life ain’t that bad.”

The truth is, Racheal showed me the love of Jesus from the very beginning. We started as friends, and she never expected anything in return, though at the time, I had nothing to offer. My addiction was at a point where every waking moment was consumed by alcohol or painkillers. But then, there came a moment when I knew I couldn’t go another day living like I was. I had to ask for help, and I had to surrender. And of all the people who have been In my life, there was only one person I believed In to help me.

Racheal opened her heart to me in a way I now know could only have been God. She prayed over me while I was shaking and hallucinating from alcohol withdrawals, speaking God’s word into every fear and doubt I had. By the grace of God, she became the vessel that broke the chains of addiction and led me to a life I once thought was impossible.

Fast forward two years, and the fingerprints of God are evident all over our lives. Both of us have been set free from the bondage of pain, brokenness, hopelessness and addiction. Those feelings have been replaced with love, connection, and a sense of purpose we never thought we’d experience. We’ve each started ministries focused on helping others. whether it’s guiding those battling addiction or helping athletes find their true purpose in Christ.

I believe God placed this story on my heart not to brag about Racheal (though I will gladly whenever I get the chance) but for someone who might be reading this and feels there’s no hope. Even if you can’t see it right now, God’s goodness and mercy never leave us when we put our full faith in Him.

Our ministries are all about helping people transform their lives from the brokenness that has shaped them. We want them to understand that true healing and purpose come from fully relying on what Jesus did for us on the cross.

The freedom we have is not because of anything we’ve done, but because of what God has done in us. I sit here in awe of God’s goodness and how one person’s obedience changed my life. So I encourage all of you, be that one person for someone else. You never know what God has in store.

And the beauty of our lives, our marriage, and the work we’re doing together is a testament to the love, grace, and unwavering support Racheal showed me when I needed it most. She didn’t just love me, she helped me believe in myself again.