From Crisis to Christ

My name is Steven, and I grew up in a family of privilege. I earned a Master’s degree in chemistry, and eventually became a chiropractic physician. But alcoholism ran rampant in my family. My uncle died from it, another uncle went crazy from it and there was abuse of all kinds. At 47, I had an emotional crisis and admitted to my friends and pastor that I’d been abused as a child. They helped me turn my life over to God, but things got harder after that. To deal with it, I started drinking heavily. I was out of control, so my pastor and my wife gave me two choices. One of the choices included going to Mel Trotter Ministries. I agreed to that, but I was lying. I packed my van with camping gear and planned to disappear off the map. Instead I got so drunk I was unable to walk, unable to feed myself, and nearly died. My sister, bless her heart, hauled me down to Mel Trotter Ministries!

They made me feel so at home here and provided a safe environment for my relationship with God. The residents - my fellow residents - helped feed me. The staff surrounded me with love and took care of every need. It was the family environment that I’d always dreamed of.

Instead of going back home last Christmas I stayed at the Mission, and it was incredible! The cafeteria was decked out. The tables were elegantly set, the volunteers served the residents and the food was excellent! When we were done, the homeless community came in and received the same home-style Christmas love. Everyone was laughing and singing.

Mel Trotter Ministries is helping more than just individual residents or homeless people. This is ground zero - God in the trenches. The sick, the infirm, have nowhere else to go, but through the programs and services at Mel Trotter, they have opportunities to move on. I just want to say “thank you” to everyone who has given to this ministry, and let them know that everything that has gone on is because of God. The glory goes to Him!