Amanda: From Prison to Freedom

Amanda shared how God rescued her from a 10-year addiction to meth. Facing 15 years in prison after numerous charges, she began reading the Bible and praying deeply. During her lowest moment, she surrendered her life to Christ. A life-changing moment came when she saved a correctional officer from an inmate attack, leading the judge to reduce her sentence to three years. Released in August 2023, Amanda credits her freedom to God and draws inspiration from the story of Paul singing in prison.

Dustin: Surrendering Everything

Dustin described his battle with alcohol and pills, which left him at 97 pounds and on the brink of losing his family. At 27, his wife took him to detox, but he struggled to stay in a 90-day rehab program. Two men of God encouraged him, challenging him to be part of the 4% who successfully complete rehab. He’s now been clean for 13 years and testifies that full surrender to God is what saved his life.

Jamie: A New Beginning

Jamie shared how grief and shame led her into addiction after the overdose death of her fiancé in 2018. Her addiction spiraled until her eldest daughter called DCF in 2021. Entering rehab, Jamie found God and began to pray. Clean and rebuilding her life, she now attends church with her daughter and helps her see God’s presence in their lives. Jamie proclaims that Jesus saves her every day.

A Glimpse of God’s Work

Returning to the stage, Pastor Tom emphasized how testimonies like these reflect the heartbeat of God and what He is doing through the church. He closed with the story behind Exodus 33:14, reminding us of Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. Despite their disobedience and idolatry, God offered His presence and rest to those who turn back to Him.

This sermon was a powerful reminder that no matter how far we feel we’ve gone, God’s grace is sufficient to bring us back. Surrender to Him, and let His presence be your guide.

Exodus 33:14
14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Philippians 4:6
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Isaiah 54:17
17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
and this is their vindication from me,”
declares the Lord.