Throughout the years many men have come and gone through the various life-recovery programs at The Hope Center. After graduating or leaving the program, the men usually move closer to their family to rebuild the bonds that were broken while addicted to drugs or alcohol.

It’s always a blessing to see these guys work so hard to rebuild the broken relationships with their wives, children and friends. During this segment of their lives, we sometimes lose contact with the guys who had become a big part of our lives.

But when a former resident comes back for a visit, it’s like being reunited with a long, lost family member!

Just recently, Earl Williams dropped by to visit the staff & residents at The Hope Center. If you’ve volunteered in the past few years at The Hope Center, then most likely you had the pleasure to meet Earl.

Earl was always a fun-loving, friendly and hard-working resident at The Hope Center. During his program and for a time after graduating, Earl had several different responsibilities at The Hope Center. But no matter what task Earl was given, he always had a smile on his face.

We were so happy to have Earl come by for a visit. Earl graduated from our life-recovery program, Foundations, in January of 2011. We asked Earl to briefly give us a quick update to share with you.

Here’s what Earl had to say: “First and foremost I would love to give God the glory for my life.  I came to The Hope Center four years ago, not fully knowing the God of this universe.  It was during the first few weeks that I got to know Jesus and accepted Him as my personal Savior and Coach.  I joined the program, graduated, and have successfully moved on.

I am now residing in Middletown, PA.  I am working and have my own place.  I am enjoying the blessings of the Lord.  I continue to be active in my church, and I also meet with a men’s study group.  I stay connected to the Word of God.

I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Shank and all the staff at The Hope Center for allowing me to be a part of their Christian family.  I met a lot of wonderful people who came to The Hope Center to worship and praise with us.  I still have contact with most of those people.  It is a blessing to have the opportunity to get to know good Christian people.

I would like to end this testimony with Proverbs 3:5-7 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding.  Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

It has also been a blessing to work with the community of Hagerstown and be a blessing to those who need encouragement.  God bless you.”

We are so happy to see Earl continuing in his walk with the Lord! What an encouragement he is to the saving power of God’s love!!

And because of kind & generous people like you, Earl, and many other men, are living a victorious life on earth and have an eternity of happiness guaranteed! Thank you for all the support that you’ve given The Hope Center through the years. From financial support, to donations of food & clothing, to much needed prayer support, you have helped us reach thousands of men, women, teens and kids for Christ. None of us will ever know the full impact of what God has done here at The Hope Center until we get to Heaven and see how God used all of us for His glory!

Please continue to pray for Earl as he continues each day to live for Christ.  And remember to pray for the countless other men, women & families who will stop by our facilities this year.

If you are interested in becoming a supporter of this outreach of hope or you’d like to volunteer, please call 301.739.1165 or email hagerstownrescue@verizon.net. You can also learn more about our ministry and even give a donation online at www.hagerstownrescue.org.