My Journey through Jesus to Freedom of Addiction

by Melissa VanPelt
(Harrisburg, PA)

My name is Melissa, I am 35 years old. I am a Christian and a recovering heroin addict. I have been through the pits of hell and back again.

I have been beaten, rapped, kidnapped, had a gun put to my head, and mentally abused. I been in 13 different inpatient treatment facilities, in and out of jail for over 2 years, and a few 1/2 way houses.

I lost my children, my soul, my spirituality, and self worth. My life was a complete mess. I have finally had enough. I went through a detox and when the drugs were out of my system I came home.

I decided that everything I tried in the past still left that empty feeling inside, so I was going to do something different. I dedicated my life to living for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

WOW what a journey I have been on since. I became a member to a wonderful, loving church in my area. I have custody of both my teenage children. (One, my son, who is struggling with drug addiction) I just thank God that I am here to help him now.

I am finally a mother to my children who need me very badly. I am able to help guide my son through recovery and try to bring him to Jesus. You know how I was saying that in the past that I had that emptiness inside? Well guess what, that emptiness is now filled with the love of God.

He has blessed me and my family in so many ways since I have been living for him. He has freed me from the bondage of addiction, showed me how to love my children, and how to love my fiance.

I am getting married in June to a wonderful Christian man, and could not be happier. My life today is absolutely amazing, thanks to Jesus Christ, he gets all the praise and glory, that's for sure!

I do also attend Narcotic Anonymous meeting on a regular basis. I try to show people that if they are clean and still have a missing piece, or emptiness inside, that can be filled through Jesus. I try to lead by example, and always try to do what's right and be the best person I can be.

I have learned to love people for who they are and be compassionate and caring. A really good friend of mine and me are currently working on starting up a Christian based rehab/transitional living facility in our area.

We will pray for this and work towards it until our dream comes true. So if you are reading this, please say a prayer for this to happen. The power of prayer is amazing.

I was a junky from the street, who thought I was going to die with a needle in my arm. Today I know better than that, I found a new way of life through NA and Jesus Christ.

God Bless You!