“Dad, PLEASE take us home!”  With the crack pipe still in his hand, Robert looked into the back seat of his car at his three boys.  He was sweating, his eyes were huge and his hair was wild.  In their eyes he could see the fear and disappointment that had severed his relationship with them.  After seven treatment centers and over 10 years of addiction Robert could not give up his addiction, not even for his kids.  Crack cocaine stole Robert’s life.

Robert started his path toward addiction in Jr. High.  At the age of 13, Robert began experimenting with marijuana, which quickly led to the use of LSD.  He began hanging out in the pool halls of St. Paul and isolated himself from his family.  For entertainment, Robert would steal from local stores or apartments with his friends.

Things continued to deteriorate after high school.  Robert began a serious drinking habit, which eventually led to snorting cocaine.  In the midst of this, his girlfriend of seven years became pregnant and they got married.  One year later, the divorce was finalized and she and their son moved out West.  Robert was devastated by her move and cocaine began to consume him.

A neighbor introduced Robert to smoking crack, a variant to snorting the cocaine powder.  One hit and Robert’s life as he knew it was over.  The high was like nothing he had ever experienced.  Soon, Robert began stealing to support his $150/day habit.  He lost his job, his home, his family and his friends.  He was alone and living on the streets of St. Paul when he finally checked into his first rehab center.

For the next ten years, Robert would continue the cycle of addiction.  He could never manage to stay sober for more than a year at a time.  Throughout this time, Robert also began a relationship with the mother of his three boys.  They were able to stay together through multiple treatment centers and stints in jail, but Robert’s relationship with his children was slowly deteriorating.  Robert was held captive by his addiction until he met Christ in the basement of the Ramsey County jail.

Robert was able to develop a relationship with the chaplain and became steady in his Bible reading and prayer life.  Robert began rebuilding the relationships with his children and family that were lost through years of addiction.  In the Damascus Way program, Robert was able to continue developing his support system through A.A. and his church. He now attends services regularly with all 3 of his boys and has become a positive role model in their life.

Robert’s family now sees the change brought by Christ.  He has been sober for over 2 years, is working full time and is an active member of his local church.  Robert’s boys no longer live with fear or disappointment in their father, but now have a positive example of Christ’s love in their lives.  Robert was powerless to break his addiction, but in Christ, God has made all things new.

Damascus Way Friends:

There are many more inmates just like Robert who need help re-entering society.  Last year, 80% of our donated funds came from private donations.  You’re gifts are vital in the restoration of these men’s lives.  Will you consider supporting Damascus Way this month in our mission to assist ex-offenders in becoming responsible, contributing members of the community?  This summer we are especially in great need of your financial support and we also covet your pray for the men coming to us and our staff.  Will you please continue to pray and consider a generous gift to Damascus Way this month?