We got to return to the rehab center today. It was great to go back and learn more about the program there. We sat and talked with Louis for a little while about how the program works, and his plans for expanding. He is a very interesting man with a great vision for rebuilding people.
There is quite a variety of men there, from very young to very old. Louis explained that many of the men that come through his doors, were forced to grow up much too soon and never had a childhood. When they realize they are in a safe place, they become a little childlike again. He believes they have to go back and work through some of the natural development that they skipped as a child.
Some of the men that have finished the program still come back to help out and encourage the new residents. That is a great testimony of the way his program is changing lives.
The program that Louis uses is completely Spirit lead. They do a series of Bible studies and devotionals, and worship the Lord together. The transformation comes from learning how valuable they are to Christ, how much He loves them – even in there depravity, and how God still desires to know them and has a purpose for them. That kind of unconditional love is what turns lives around; that makes the least into the best. Those who are forgiven much, love much.
After chatting with Louis for a while and looking at pictures, we started up a game of volleyball with the guys. They were very gracious and patient with our lack of skill. The ball they used was very, very hard. It was made from hard plastic instead of rubber of leather. The court was set up in a field they had dug into a hill side. They made it more or less flat, but it did still slope a bit and it had large mounds of dirt that had to be navigated. Eric was also playing Frisbee with some of the other guys. We all had a good time, and lots of laughs.
When we were done with out games, we all gathered on the porch for a devotional study. They read through a Psalm every afternoon. Today’s study was Psalm 150. After that, one of the guys shared his testimony of how he came to the center.
A friend had come along side him, and taken him to a retreat where he heard about Jesus. He prayed at that retreat, and God took away his desire for alcohol immediately. He was really excited at first, but then when he went home, he got sucked back into his previous lifestyle and continued to struggle. This time, he knew he needed to do something because he had seen that his life could be different. His friend continued to come along side him, and eventually brought him to the rehab center. Now he has the direction and support he needs to make permanent changes in his life. Praise God.
Before we left, they offered us each a coconut. They chopped the top off with a machete so we could drink the water, and then split it in half so we could eat the pulp and meat. I´m not a fan of the water, but I love to eat the coconut.
It was a great day, and I am looking forward to going back next week to hear more testimonies and to encourage these men in the changes they are seeking. They will have a very powerful story to tell, that will help many others to as well. I have no doubt that some of those men will go on to do great things.
