For years I have felt led by the Lord to establish a recovery ministry and mission for people with addictions.  As a young man I was a heavy abuser of alcohol.  I watched my adopted father die of alcoholism.  I have also lost many friends and loved ones to this disease.

I also know the dysfunctional lifestyle and personalities that develop as a result of growing up in an alcoholic home.  The Lord Jesus Christ led me away from this life through a series of revelations.  That has led to a mature faith and a calling to serve him in this ministry.  It has been by His grace and guidance that I have not had a drink since April 1, 1986.

I recently graduated from Houston Graduate School of Theology (HGST).  My goal in pursuing this education was to be trained as a spiritual director primarily for those seeking recovery from addiction or living in a relationship with an addict.

A group of friends and I have established the legal foundations for this ministry.  The ministry is Victory in Jesus.  It is a Texas corporation and a 501c3 recently recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.  We have leased a 7,000 square foot facility for ten years.  It is located in the City of Wharton.  It was a former medical clinic.  This is ideal for recovery because it has many small rooms.  We have been able to renovate the facility to meet city specifications, with one exception.  We must install an indoor fire prevention sprinkler system which is estimated to cost between $30K and $40K.  We are currently holding fundraisers for this project and applying for grants.  Our current fundraisers are:

Ecclesiastical Calendars sold for $20 each.  They can be ordered by mailing a check for $20 (free postage) to the First United Methodist Church, 1717 Pioneer Street, Wharton, Texas, 77488.  Make the check payable to Victory in Jesus.  These are beautiful calendars that extend through January 2012.  They feature various churches and explain the focus of worship in that particular faith tradition.

Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction to be held at the First United Methodist Church in Wharton, Texas.  The dinner will be at 6:00 PM on April 9, 2011.  Seating is limited, reservations must be made in advance.  Call the First United Methodist Church at 979-532-1100.  Entertainment for the evening will headline "Mirror Image" and Howard Morgan.  They will perform contemporary Christian Music.

Recovery will be based on two things.  One, the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and two, establishing a mature relationship with Jesus Christ through scripture study, worship, prayer, self-examination, and service to others.  Outpatient recovery meetings will also be established for men and women who are in a relationship with an addict.

With God’s help, continued prayer, and hard work, this is very close to becoming a reality.  We anticipate a possible opening date of July 1, 2011.

Click this link for program details.
Victory in Jesus Recovery Center