Program Living: Ernie’s Story

"In 2016, I failed a drug test for methamphetamine and marijuana in Russellville when I was tested for an EPO violation. I was ordered to go back to court, but I didn’t go, I ran instead. My wife and I split up, and while she was gone, I broke into her uncle’s house to talk to her. She called the police.

On December 6, 2016, I asked God to do something. It was pouring rain, and I was running from the law. I knew I couldn’t do anything. At 10pm I got arrested and went to jail. During this time, I started reading the Bible. The more I read it, the more I understood who God is. I spent ten months in jail, and they were the best ten months of my life because God started to change my heart.

Program Living has really helped me learn more about the Lord and my walk with Him. It’s helped me mentally, physically, and I’m really blessed to be in this program. I love it. My plan after I graduate from Program Living is to keep a steady job, continue going to church, and hopefully bring my family with me."

Since Ernie shared his story with us during his time in the program in 2018, he has been employed at Hope House as a house shepherd for Program Living, transportation coordinator, and he is now one of our New Leaf coordinators. He and his wife had a daughter, and he has regained custody of one of his children from a previous relationship. The Lord continues to work in his life to restore his relationships, and his life is a clear picture of the power of the gospel!