"I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is Born Again," John 3:3.

These words were spoken by Jesus 2,000 years ago, but the meaning and importance of this sentence remain true today. These words are the foundation of the ministry at Damascus Way. Without being "Born Again" and having the Spirit of God breath new life into these men, our efforts to change lives will be useless. But when men can surrender their life to the risen Christ, lives do change because we become "new creations" (II Cor 5:17). As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord this Easter season, we caught up with a former resident who has been truly "Born Again" by Christ’s power.

 

John Lindstrom grew up in a middle class home in Inver Grove. His mom was a nurse and his dad sold beer. He never gave much thought to God after his confirmation, but he never became a reckless criminal either. After graduation from high school, John began working at a local steel mill, and through a co-worker gave his life to Christ in 1982. He became active in church and began classes at a Bible school. Although he never finished, John realized that there was a higher calling on his life and was excited about pursuing God.

But, after a couple years, John began hanging around old friends and his old habits began to re-surface. He began to party a lot, smoking weed and drinking. Eventually, John hit an internal crisis. "I knew I had a higher calling," says John. "I was miserable and just got sick of myself." He went to his pastor, saying "I really want to follow Christ in word and in deed." His pastor happened to be on the board of Damascus Way and recommended that he try the program as a place to get right with God.

John agreed and took 90 days off from work. While at Damascus, John was able to read his Bible daily and made a decision to follow God totally. John graduated the program in 1988, and looks back at the experience as a great foundation.

Shortly after graduation, John got married and began a family. He now has 3 daughters, aged 16, 13, and 11. John became ordained in 1997 and was the associate pastor of his church for several years before it closed through an eminent domain battle. He now drives school bus full time and continues to work daily at "following God to the best of my ability."

Seventeen years after graduating from Damascus Way, John remains a strong believer in the Lord because of a decision he made to "follow God totally." Today, there are many more in our program who are on the verge of making similar decisions. Their life hangs in the balance between life and death, between being Born Again or continuing a lifestyle of sin. Damascus Way is a program founded on the truth of God’s Word. Each resident will daily hear truth from God’s scripture. Your prayers are important and necessary in helping them make their decision for Christ. Thank you for your support and Happy Easter!

For the men of Damascus Way,

Dick Harden, Executive Director

Damascus Way Reentry Center, Inc.