IMPACT
Our stories of success are stories of God’s love in action.
These accounts from real recipients of Bright Bridge Ministries services inspire us, and remind us recovery isn’t a destination; it’s a journey.
Names have been removed to protect the privacy of those willing to share their story.
Testimonials
“I no longer see a man from the dark past, but see the man with a bright future.”
Looking into a mirror five years from now, I see a man who doesn’t look like what he’s been through. I see a man of knowledge for learning from his past mistakes. And a man of wisdom from learning from the mistakes of others. I see a man who is valued, with the ability to love and be loved. I see a man to respect for being able to obtain the capacity to deal with the troubles of life on the terms at which it delivers. I see a man who has been able to look upon the face of fear, and have the courage to overcome.
I see a man who is proud of himself, and yet does not let pride ruin his life. I see a man who may not be exactly where he needs to be, but blessed to not be where he once was. I see a man who no longer chases after the desires of the world, but rather seeks after the heart of God. I see a man who accepts he will always be an addict, but no longer lives the active life of addiction. I see a man who was once lost in his own mind of sorrow and pain, yet is now able to see the sunshine in the rain. I see a man who was once robbed of his happiness, but is now blessed with the gift of joy.
I no longer see the man I grew to hate, but now see the man I knew could be great. I don’t see the man I once tried to hide, but now see the man in plain view. I no longer see a man from the dark past, but see the man with a bridge future. When I look into the mirror, I no longer see who I was. I now see who I am. From the outside looking in, Bright Bridge Ministries saw him. But now I see me.
“This program Pastor Robin has started has given spiritual light to those who used to live in darkness.”
I have been to a lot of rehabs before. I have even worked for some. Bright Bridge Ministries is totally different. We have a lot of meetings, but the difference in this program is that, having such a loving pastor makes us want to live sober, successful lives. If a man comes to stay here and succeed, he will. If he doesn’t, it is because the want is not in him.
Most men work and have jobs, and are once again able to become productive members of society. Others donate their time and services here at the church.
We are given a freedom here, to live sober lives without having to feel institutionalized. This program Pastor Robin has started has given spiritual light to those who used to live in darkness. May God continue to bless Bright Bridge Ministries.
“It saved my life—no doubt about it.”
It saved my life—no doubt about it. I had given up. I called a friend and he recommended Bright Bridge Ministries. I’ve been able to work, get my license back, buy a car and reconnect with my family. I am so grateful.
Recovery has been an ongoing project in my life for the last seven years. I’ve been somewhat successful throughout much of that time. My relapse episodes have been few but quite intense. Something was missing. I often kept my head in spiritual, religious or psychology self-help books, searching for the missing piece to the puzzle. Two years ago, a friend of mine told me about Bright Bridge Ministries. When I arrived here, I could sense that there was something different, although I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I had become jaded and a bit disappointed with the leadership of other facilities in the past.
I expected Pastor Robin to be no different. I soon began to realize that I was wrong and furthermore, amazed at her genuine concern for others. She is patient, kind and understanding.—truly understanding. But, more than this, she has a deep belief and faith that everyone has the ability to recover with God’s help.
It was then and there that I found the missing piece to the puzzle that had, for so long, alluded me. I had stumbled on an angel.
A blessing in the midst of my hopelessness. Here, for the first time in a very long time was someone who believed in me. Someone who seemed to have no doubt that I could become a new man. And more than that, she was willing to do what she could to help me reach that new life. I will forever give thanks to God for sending me this lovely and beautiful, kind lady. I love you.
Testimonials
"I no longer see a man from the dark past, but see the man with a bright future.”
“I thank God every day that I was given a second chance to learn a new way of life. I also thank God for Pastor Robin and Judy because they love us until we learn to love ourselves. If you ever want to see God working miracles, stop by and visit us!”
Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Kristen*. I am a 30-year-old single mother of three children and I am also an alcoholic and drug addict. I am writing this letter in the hope of expressing upon you how much the Chadwick House has not only saved my life, but is teaching me a new way to live.
Before coming here, I had no structure, self-esteem, love for myself or others, respect, and no God in my life. The way this program is set up, I was given simple rules to follow, to help me learn to gain those things back again. Pastor Robin and Judy provide a loving and supportive guidance for the women in this house. This is very important to me because I had no idea how to be a good person when I got here! In the last two and a half months that I have been here I have found a sponsor in the AA program, and I am working the 12 steps. I go to at least four meetings a week.
Judy encourages me to continue trauma therapy every week. I was able to find a job, and get my own car. Thanks to the Chadwick House, I see my mom and my children every weekend, and they see the positive changes happening in me. I have also discovered my relationship with God! I found it from giving back at the church and coming every Sunday and learning. None of this could have been possible without the Chadwick House—a place for women like me with nowhere to go, that need and example to live by. This house is my home, and these women are my family.
I thank God every day that I was given a second chance to learn a new way of life. I also thank God for Pastor Robin and Judy because they love us until we learn to love ourselves. If you ever want to see God working miracles, stop by and visit us!
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.