Mark's Testimony
At the age of 12, I was already a non-believer in “religion.” By the age of 17, I had been introduced to drugs and alcohol. My addiction progressed through the next 10 years, and by 28 I was married with children. Due to my recklessness, I was divorced after 5 years. Drugs and alcohol were all I needed, and all I cared about.
My life really went downhill at that point. By 35 I was homeless, destitute, and drowning in a sea of denial. This lasted for 14 years, until divine intervention prevailed.
I remember pleading, “Lord I cannot go on like this. Something has to change. Please help!” Two days later, I was arrested and found myself in county jail. When I was sentenced, the judge ordered me to complete 6 months in the Salvation Army ARC. It was during my stay at the ARC that I had an “epiphany,” even though I was not a believer in Christ our Lord and Savior. I had to go to Webster’s Dictionary to found out that the epiphany was caused by God. Even at that point I was in denial about Him, and asked for another “sign.” In the pages of a “stiffly bound” Bible, Psalms 40 fell open:
I waited patiently unto the Lord and He heard my cry. He lifted me from a deep pit, set my feet on solid ground, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth, “Praise be to Him.” Amen.
It has now been 3 years and 8 months that I have been clean and sober in God, and yes He is a God of restoration too! I am currently employed in good standing at the Salvation Army ARC as the Resident Manager. I thank God every day for saving my life!
Mark Wilkinson