Stories of Transformation

"I spent my whole life in addiction, and after being locked up I was released from prison in 2018 at the age of 37 to come live in the GAP while on problem-solving court. It was truly a blessing — everyone treated you with love and as a family, and taught you how to live a sober life following God. It changed my life in so many ways."

"I graduated the GAP, completed problem-solving court, and got off probation years ago. Eight years later I am still sober, I have a family and kids, I have a good career in barbering, and I opened my own barber school to help former addicts and those who have been locked up. I also help mentor those coming into the GAP and still attend Stars of Light Church — it is my family. This program was a big part of what changed my life and has given me lasting success."

"I never knew what the future held for me. My life was miserable and aimless — I was at my deepest depths of despair. It was in Howard County jail when I read the entire Life Recovery Bible from beginning to end, during which time, my faith in Christ was reborn."

"The GAP Program taught me a gradual development of responsibilities in life while also confronting the root cause of my addiction, my spiritual sickness. I learned more about God and acquired coping mechanisms to help me stay clean no matter what challenges arose."

"Now, I am the chairperson for a recovery meeting in town. I am married to my first wife Sarah, I have a car and a stable home environment. I am living the new life I so greatly desired — being a responsible, productive member of a society that I actually feel a part of now. I owe all my success to God and his healing hands working through the GAP program."

"I've been through two 30-day inpatient programs and multiple intensive outpatient treatments. What I found in most of those experiences is that the clock matters more than the person. At 30 days, ready or not, you're out the door."

"GAP is different. The longer time in the program isn't just a number, it builds something shorter programs rarely can: a real routine, a real foundation. But more than the structure, it's the people behind it. Nobody here is chasing credit. The work gets done quietly, faithfully, and without anyone looking for recognition. That kind of selflessness is rare anywhere."

"I'm not just here because I have to be, I'm here because I believe in what this program is doing. The acceptance and trust I've been shown here is something I hadn't experienced before. I want to see GAP grow, because I know firsthand what it can do for a person."

"I want to say a big thank you to God for the GAP. There are many programs out there, but I had done them all. And I walked out feeling the same way I went in. Defeated. Hopeless. Broken. And then right back to the same place. Each time my perspective would worsen and into a deeper hole I would fall. Stuck in the same cycle."

"But God had a plan. I found the GAP — and in the most unlikely of places, the jail. I had prayed so hard that going to the GAP would be the difference. And I will admit that in the beginning, it's not easy. The mindset I had was still the same — I wanted control, I wanted to do things my way. Until I had a few falls and was reminded that my way was never good. I had to repent and surrender my ways for God's ways."

"During all of this I had my church loving on me, encouraging me, leading me, and being the example to me. Transformation starts to form. It's being intentional about your recovery. It's the desire for a new life above anything else. And then one day you wake up and you're grateful for the struggles — and you thank God for them, because it's what got you to where you are."

"I thank the GAP because they share Jesus' love. They are obedient to God no matter what, even if that means correction for me. I am a new person. I am full of joy and peace and love. I am healing, hopeful, and prayerful. God has changed my life."

"I came to the GAP in June of 2022, right out of prison and a hardened life of drugs and violence. Though my heart had changed, I didn't really have a place to go. I had heard about the GAP program through a friend and knew in my heart that it was for me. A few weeks later God opened the doors, and I was welcomed in with undeserved love from everyone in the church."

"The GAP helped me learn how to quiet myself and listen to what God was really saying to me. It gave me an opportunity to learn, grow, and know that God had a purpose and plan for my life. I was allowed and encouraged to stay until I was truly ready to move out on my own."

"Life coaching lessons — well, that may be for some people, but I'm a grown man and don't need counseling. Or so I thought. That was an opportunity that helped me grow leaps and bounds. I learned so much about myself in such good ways."

"I am now a husband and successful business owner. All glory to God and the awesome doors he opens in my life. Thanks to the GAP and all the people involved — it was a life-changing experience for the good."

"The GAP experience was something new — kind of like going to the military or going to camp, where you get trained to live life. I was afraid at first because there was so much freedom that I didn't understand. But as I got used to it, I started gathering friendships and relationships with the GAP members. We all have different experiences because we all live different lives, but it makes you fit in perfectly. It gets you comfortable to where all you have to do is work, come home, and reach out to God. That's all they really want — just clean up your area and make sure the chores are done. That's something a man should want in life."

"Having 18 years of my life lost to incarceration and needing to be retrained, I couldn't ask for a better place. Now that I'm out in the free world — paying bills, going to doctor's appointments, going to work — I can say that the GAP made it far easier to do so. Thank you, and God bless."

"Let me tell you about my Jesus. He is a Father that knows best — He will not leave you nor forsake you. He is a God of restoration and so much more. Joining The GAP was one of the best things that happened to me. It strengthened my faith. It gave me so much more understanding of Him and the books in the Bible. I gained a family I never knew I needed — but He did."

"My name is Jearld Freeman. I have been an addict for as long as I can remember — that is, until God came into my heart and released me from the devil's stronghold. I was baptized at Westville Correctional, but I knew that if I got out of prison and went back to what I was doing, nothing in my life would change. So I contacted the GAP and was released to Pastor Tim on October 7th, 2025. I instantly knew I made the right decision."

"This program provides the stability Christian men need to re-enter society — there is accountability, fellowship, and a loving church family. The one-on-one life coaching has helped me delve deeper into myself and my faith than ever before. I don't know what God has in store for my future, but I know I'm better equipped to handle whatever it is now than at any other time in my life. All thanks to my family at the GAP — they have made me a better Christian and a better person. This experience is truly life-changing."

"The GAP program and everyone involved loved me when I needed it most. They planted a seed of Christ in my life and showed me the way to true freedom — and that is Jesus. Here I sit, almost 10 years sober, and I am nothing short of thankful for the people God used to get me to surrender to His will and follow Him. I will forever be grateful for the GAP program and the ministers who are a part of it."