Peace & Perseverance: Lester's Story
Lester M., a staff member and graduate of Jericho Road Ministries' recovery program sat down to share some of his story. Read about some of Lester’s first experiences in the program, how he is now serving others in the ministry, and his mindset looking toward the future.
“Before, I wasn’t the best representation of myself, as a man and as a father. Now, I’ve had time to reflect and figure out why I chose drinking. At first, I didn’t realize it was a coping mechanism for me. Eventually I thought, 'Who slowly poisons themselves? Who does that?' I realized that I wasn’t celebrating and I wasn’t happy, so something wasn’t adding up. I was blind to my own darkness. I didn’t know I needed something like this until I came here.
I was at Jericho Road for two weeks when I saw my first graduation. I was listening to the men and women as they shared their stories and I was just filled with peace, joy, and inspiration. And I said ‘I’m going to do that.’ It wasn’t just graduating, it wasn’t just giving a speech—I wanted that peace that I saw and heard them share about. I wanted that reliance on God and to know that with Him all things are possible.
That gave me the inspiration to be able to sit here today, even right now in this moment, and still feel the same way. That first graduation lit a beautiful fire inside me.
This ministry afforded me the opportunity to take the time to myself and strengthen my relationship with God, strengthen my relationship with myself, and look at myself and say ‘Hey, it’s okay. You’re okay.’ I can’t live in the ‘would’ve, could’ve, should’ve,’ but I can sit here now and say that I am now over a year sober. And that feels good.’
Sharing my insight and experience with the men coming into the program, and encouraging them not to give up and to keep moving forward is more gratifying than anything in the world. To see them graduate and say ‘You did it. You didn’t give up.’ I want to be able to continue to experience that and witness that now from the other side as I continue to grow spiritually myself.
God is working within this ministry. And that gives hope. In the time I’ve been here, we’ve almost doubled in the number of people we can house. This place can give hope to men and women who need it. So many more people in the community are able to be helped. That shows that God is good.
I don’t know what God has for me, but I am willing to walk with my head high, knowing that He is in control. By His blessing and His grace, I am proud to walk the path that He has in front of me. I’ll take this journey wherever it takes me. If I could have anything along the way, it’d be a nice place so I can have my children over and have them see the beauty of God’s creation all around us, and be able to witness God’s work within this ministry. It’s here. It’s present. God is working every day with every person in this ministry. And if we just open our eyes, we’ll see it.”
Thank you Lester! We look forward to seeing what’s next for you as you continue to work hard and faithfully walk with the Lord on your recovery journey.
