Jason Is Now On Top!!!
While I was growing up, my entire family attended church at First Assembly of God in North Little Rock. By the time I turned 16, I experienced drugs for the first time. In 1988, my family had moved to Dallas due to my father’s job. My family ceased attending church during this time.
My family moved back to Arkansas by the time I graduated from high school in 1991. After graduation I decided to take a full scholarship at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where I would work on a Civil Engineering degree. While attending college, my drug and alcohol use continued.
By 1994, I received a DUI. I decided I should drop out of school and get a job to support my drug habit. I was able to get a job on campus in Fayetteville.
In 2007, at the age of 36, I decided that I had enough of using drugs, but I was unable to stop by myself. I completed the program at Freedom House and I got a job painting. My job moved me to Rogers for several months in a motel, where I returned to my drug use. After several months of living in Rogers, I decided to call my dad to pick me up and left my job.
While I was in detox, I met a guy who said he was staying at the Union Rescue Mission. I begin asking questions to learn about the program. I found that it was the place for me when I realized it had a Christian based recovery program. In September of 2007, I decided to check myself into the recovery program at the Union Rescue Mission. From this time forward, my life was changed forever. I was able to apply everything that I learned in the Christian 12 Step Program to my everyday life. I was also able to meet Justin Mendez, Director of Men’s Ministries- Drug and Alcohol Program. I realized that he was able to relate to us because he had been there and knew what we were going through. I was able to see someone who had previously had addiction issue actually help coordinate the program.
While at the Mission I was able to overcome my fear of telling people that I was at a drug/alcohol recovery program. I was also able to open myself up and really accept Jesus’ power. I learned that I could not just quote scripture, but I needed to spend time studying His word. I also was able to learn that I had to give up myself….my ego and pride. I would always tell someone about how great of a partier I was and realized that I should not be that way.
Since I have left the Mission in 2008, I have gotten back into college and am currently attending the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. I have been on the Presidential Scholar list each semester since I returned to school. I am currently working on a Geography degree with a minor in computer science. My current goal is to graduate from UCA in January 2012. I am not sure where I will go after graduation, but I would like to go to Fayetteville and work on my Master’s degree in Geographic Information System.
I have been able to get my entire family back into church at First Assembly of God in North Little Rock. In December 2009, First Assembly dedicated a work program room in honor of me as a Thank You for getting the family back in church.
Looking back on my time at the Mission, I do not have any negative experiences from there. I do not regret the decision from being there. Please continue to remember me in your prayers as I continue my journey of recovery.