“And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors saying unto them, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost” -Luke 15:6
Sara’s Testimony
My name is Sara Jackson and I now have victory in Christ. I’m 20 years old and I am from Houston, Texas. At an early age, I became obsessed with the party lifestyle. Sneaking out to night clubs in search of attention and fame, I ignored the warnings of my parents. Real life quickly began to fade as I found myself entangled in a web of strangers, music, and drugs. There was a deep, painful void inside my heart I tried so desperately to fill. The thought of my future was often a concern that haunted my mind…when would I wake up from this nightmare and get my life together? It felt as if I was running from everything, all those problems, but going nowhere. Truly I was running from God and it wouldn’t be long until He stopped me dead in my tracks of sin.
The Moment That Altered Her Path In Life
One night after leaving a familiar club, I headed to a friends’ house where I planned to get high. I ended up overdosing on acid. They frantically rushed me to the E.R. as I blacked out, bleeding from my mouth, and convulsing into violent seizures in the vehicle. My breathing gave out soon after. Lifeless, my body was carried through hospital doors where doctors pronounced me dead upon arrival. By the amazing grace of God, He allowed the doctors to resuscitate me. Two days later, I awoke from a coma, fully responsive. This is just one of the many miracles God’s performed in my life.
The Place That Would Change Her Life Forever
Thankfully that traumatic event led me through the doors of hope on January 27th 2012, little did I know, it would change my life forever. “And I will give her her vinyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt” (Hosea 2:15.) As time passed by, God slowly began His work. Picking up the shattered pieces of my heart, He carefully mended them back together in His perfect love, creating within me a new one. “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you, and I will take the stoney heart out of their flesh, and give them an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19.
God’s Guiding Hand
I know now that His hand was there guiding me through every dark moment, every sleepless night, and every time I hated myself. God’s unfailing love was secretly present. I no longer feel that void. Through the Reformers Unanimous curriculum, I learned to structure my life around that which is eternal and cannot be taken away. I discovered a true love and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and finally, quit running.
Celebrating Victory In Christ
In conclusion, I now celebrate 9 months victory in Christ over all addictions. My future plans circle around the RU graduate program with a burning desire to reach out to the addicted in hopes they may find the Truth that makes free, as I have through this amazing program. By the power of God, lives are changed, hearts are healed, and miracles become reality. “He hath made everything beautiful in his time, also He hath set the world in their heart so that no man can find out the beginning to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11.) He has transformed this former club promoter into a promoter of Christ, a job I wouldn’t trade for all the riches in the world!
The Blessings And The Thank You’s
First of all, I would like to thank God for saving my soul and securing me an eternal home in heaven. Also, I want to thank my family, for all their love and support. And for believing in me throughout this journey every step of the way. Also to Mr. and Mrs. Barnes I owe a debt for not allowing me to quit in the beginning when everything in me screamed to give up. Thank you, Mrs. Joy Lemke, for her burden to start the women’s home with Bro. Steve Curington. I am grateful for the girls who have resided with me at R.U.T.H., for teaching me what real friendship is all about. I want to give special thanks to Pastor Kingsbury, for his dedication to North Love and all the messages that cut deep into my heart. For a particular message, I thank Bro. Burks. His sermon “Nevertheless” led me to surrender my life to the cause of Christ. I also appreciate North Love Church, for their determination and efforts in spreading the gospel worldwide. Most of all, for welcoming the wounded with open arms and helping them get victory in Christ. And lastly, I want to thank Steve Curington, for his over-all vision from God, that started it all… may his ministry of helping the hurting never die.
An Update On Sara
Since graduating from the RU Schools of Discipleship, Sara still has victory in Christ. She has gone on to become a recent graduate of West Coast Baptist College. Sara has obtained a four-year degree in Missions this past May. She was recently approached about a Christian teaching position in Central America and after MUCH prayer and soul-searching, she believed that is where the Lord was directing her to go.
Sara departed the states at the beginning of August 2016 to teach second grade at the New Life Bilingual School in Sabana Grande, Honduras for two years. While there she will also have the privilege to serve in various ministries of the New Life Church (pastored by missionary Samuel Hodges) including bus routes, Sunday school classes, conferences, special events, choir, and soul-winning.
This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that she couldn’t be more excited about! Her desire is, not only to provide students with an excellent education experience but also to invest eternal truths into the hearts and lives of those she will be teaching. She is fully trusting that God will enable her to be an effective teacher and will allow her to share His love with those who need it most.
About The RU Discipleship Men And Women’s Homes
The Reformers Unanimous Schools of Discipleship are located in Rockford, Illinois. Our mission is to train and empower men and women to live victorious Christian lives, enabling them to have a permanent victory from any and all crippling addictions. It takes approximately six months in our program to bring about these changes. If you are serious about and committed to your recovery, we are certain that we can help you! Read this testimony of a current graduate of the Women’s School of Discipleship, known as R.U.T.H. (Reformers Unanimous Transitional Housing).
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