Jesus
Still Performs Miracles
Client testimony by Don Minissale
My testimony begins with sincere thanks to all who have prayed for me.
I have learned that prayers are answered in God’s time and that Jesus
still performs miracles.
I grew up as an only child near Cleveland, Ohio. My parents were good people
who tried to teach me to do the right things in life, but I chose the wild
side.
One evening, after a high school football game, I was in a car accident.
My injuries required a pin in my left ankle. No longer able to play the sports
I loved, I started using narcotics. I was 16.
By 18, I was shooting heroin. I spent the next 33 years of my life in jails,
rehabilitation centers and prisons. I became a monster because it was the
only way I knew how to deal with an unmanageable life.
Even as a teenager, I did not like who I was or what was happening to me.
I joined the Marine Corps in an attempt to “fix” my life. I had
always been fascinated with the Marines. Joining taught me discipline, respect
and to never give up.
After my discharge, I missed the sense of purpose that came from belonging
to a powerful unit. I bought a Harley Davidson and spent 15 years with the “Hell’s
Angels” motorcycle club.
My mother was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. My first reaction was to smoke
marijuana in an attempt to escape the situation. I was caught and spent a
year in prison. My mom was my best friend through it all.
One week after my mother passed away, I returned to prison. Three months
later my dad came to visit me. I learned three days later that he had died
from a heart attack.
I knew my life had changed. I realized that I had nobody left. I was alone.
I went into the prison yard, looked up into the sky and asked Jesus to please
help me.
After my release from prison, my counselor at the Department of Veterans
Affairs advised me to leave Cleveland. He suggested that I seek help from
Haven of Rest Ministries, a Christian social service organization in Akron,
Ohio.
At Haven of Rest I participated one year in the men’s program learning
the Bible and how I should live. I wasn’t ready to return to the street
when the program ended, so I went to New Destiny Treatment Center.
After 13 months at NDTC, I felt ready to face the world again. I had—as
many do—underestimated the dark power of drugs.
I obtained a commercial driver’s license and became a truck driver.
My job only permitted me to be home two days each month.
After eleven months my girlfriend left me. I lost my focus and used drugs
again. I was caught, overdosed and spent three days in the hospital, after
which I went straight to prison for another 18 months.
I had plenty of time to sit and think about what I had done.
I returned to New Destiny Treatment Center after my release in February 2005.
I wanted to get back into a right relationship with God and learn anything
I might have missed during my first roundof treatment. Eventually, I realized
I couldn’t change until I saw
the ugliness of addiction and the hurt and pain it caused my loved ones.
I had to
allow God to renew my mind.
Now back on my feet, I have a truck-driving job again. I visit New Destiny Treatment
Center every weekend.
I am a changed man. Today, I live by the fruits of the Spirit. I don’t
settle for the path of least resistance.
I am indebted to NDTC staff members for their kindness and to everyone else who
encouraged me. Now I’m “truckin” for Jesus!”
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