Bill’s Boots on the Ground

What would our world look like if God did not keep His promises? I think this world would be so different.

God’s covenant promise is to bring us life everlasting and to have that with him, just like the thief on the cross. Luke 23:42-43 says, “’Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”

All that is required is to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior, which this dying man did in simply saying those words. We are celebrating Easter, the remembrance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. When I look at my own life, I remember just how unworthy I am to have this gift of reconciliation. Our daughter and son-in-law were blessed with a daughter in February, and I get to be an Opa and my wife Oma—that’s Dutch for ‘Grandpa’ and ‘Grandma.’

Many of you know my personal story and struggle with addiction for 20 years. God made a covenant with me that I was to be obedient and to honor Him and He would restore me, essentially resurrecting my life from the pit of despair I was in. God certainly had a different plan for me, and that began on August 1, 2007.

So, knowing God can redeem anyone He wants to, I am moved to see the amazing covenant promise of God offered to those we serve. The work being done here at the Mission is centered on this one thing: reconciliation with God. Our guests and clients are introduced to Him through all of the activities we have here on a weekly basis. Those who come to the Mission are offered food, clothing, shelter and the love of Jesus Christ.

We get to see firsthand this amazing work of God bringing restored relationships to His people. So many of our Life Recovery Program clients see God restore what was once lost to them—relationships with loved ones. So many times, the life of sin, drugs, and alcohol take from you these very important relationships, but for the love of God, He puts forgiveness in their hearts and we see reconciliation.

I can’t say it enough: Getting to see God do this is a privilege and honor, and your prayers, gifts to the Mission make this possible. I am eternally grateful to all of you who give to this work of refuge, recovery, and restoration. May the Lord bless you as you celebrate Easter. Please say a prayer for those who still struggle.