I was 16 when I had my first girlfriend. But I was extremely jealous and overprotective. One day, my dad said something negative about her, and because of my jealousy and anger, I lost control. I actually pulled a knife on my own father. That moment changed everything. I was arrested and taken to juvenile detention. While I was there, I met people who talked to me about drugs. After I was released, I started experimenting.
It began with alcohol and marijuana, but it didn’t stop there. I tried harder drugs, and the addiction took over. I couldn’t keep a job, and I couldn’t focus in school. Things just kept getting worse. I reached a point where I felt like I needed something, some kind of substance, just to feel normal or to relax. But instead of helping me, drugs and alcohol created more problems and pulled me deeper into addiction. When I didn’t have money, I would sell my clothes or even steal from my parents just to get high.
One of the lowest moments of my life happened after I had been drinking heavily. I got into a fight with my dad, stormed out into the streets, and was completely out of it. I stole alcohol from a store and sat in a park drinking by myself.
The next thing I knew, I woke up in a hospital bed. The doctors had pumped my stomach because of how much alcohol I drank. They even thought I had tried to take my own life. That’s how bad things had gotten. During this time, I heard about Universal Beyond Bars (UBB). My grandmother, who was a faithful member of the church, introduced me to the ministry. At first, I didn’t want to hear what the pastors had to say. I kept thinking, “I can still smoke, drink, and go to church. It’s not a big deal.” But little by little, something inside me began to change.
Eventually, I made the choice to truly give my life to God. That’s when everything started to turn around. I began seeking deliverance in the church, and I realized my addiction wasn’t just physical; it was spiritual.
Only God could set me free. Once I received that deliverance, I started to desire more from Him. I wanted the Holy Spirit to live inside me. I didn’t want to feel empty anymore, and I finally understood that only God’s Spirit could fill that void. Today, I can honestly say the Spirit of God lives inside me.
I’m completely free. No more addictions, no more anger, no more chains holding me down. I’m a different person. If you’re battling addiction or going through any kind of struggle, my advice is simple: Seek God. Open your heart to Him. He’s the only one who can truly set you free. No matter how far gone you think you are, He has the power to change your life, just like He did for me.
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I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me. In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. (Psalms 77:1-2)
Send your E-Message or letter to Bishop Bira Joshua. You don’t need to feel alone; help is at hand. Please include First and Last Name, Inmate ID#, Facility, Address, City, State, and Zip code. Mail your letter to 7075 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074.
