You are my lamp O Lord

"You are my lamp O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light."

2 Samuel 22:29

Approximately a year and a half ago , I wrote a story about a man named Dave from my hometown of Dubuque, Iowa. Dave has lived in the throes of alcoholism for the past twenty five years. He has been asked to leave his home and his jobs. Desperate, he began to believe Satan's greatest lie - that the world would be better off without him. The Holy Spirit led my son and I to him that day. Three days later he was standing in my office at Open Door Mission, to join the New Life Recovery Program.

I would like to say it went smoothly - but it did not. Dave was caught drinking during his stay, and after three months made a decision to leave. We don't always know what happens to our brothers that leave prematurely , but I heard back from Dubuque that Dave was drinking. I received a call yesterday that Dave is in ICU with a severe case of pancreatitus and liver failure. They are giving him a fifty per cent chance of survival. They won't give him a liver because of his history; but he wouldn't be strong enough for surgery even if they would.

After getting this report, the young lady told me how much Dave appreciated the Open Door Mission, and all they had done for him. She went on tell of Dave speaking about his new found relationship with Jesus Christ. She told me they studied the word together, and prayed together.

Recovery looks different for everyone, it doesn't always happen the way I think it should. I am so thankful the one that sits on the judgement seat loves unconditionally through his Grace given so freely. I am thankful that in all the darkness in Dave's life , our Saviour's light shines through. Please hold Dave in prayer as you read this, pray this stronghold of alcohol be forever removed.

Pat McKernan

Garland Thompson Men's Center Director