Everything is Going to be OK

Client testimony by Charlie Gaiter

My name is Charlie Gaiter. I grew up with five sisters and two brothers. My mother and father’s problems led to their separation. My father raised all of us.

It seemed like my father was at work all the time, so I ran the streets often. I eventually tried my first marijuana joint, not realizing that it would lead me on a 30-year path of destruction.

I experienced trouble with the law, which led to jail numerous times. I was in and out of abusive relationships. Despite these problems, I still thought I was cool because all of my friends were doing the same things. They were getting high and I wanted to fit in with them.

One day a friend gave me crack cocaine. It was a major turning point in my life.

Eventually, I didn’t care about anything except getting more crack to satisfy my addiction. I started stealing, lying and using people to get more drugs.

My last “high” was July 3, 2004. I went to jail for 30 days because of some old warrants. In jail, I decided that I didn't want to live that kind of life any longer.

A friend told me about New Destiny Treatment Center. After I was released from jail, I called and talked to office manager Jim Warner. I told him I was tired of hurting myself and the people who cared about me. I asked for help. He scheduled a screening interview.

I felt the Lord’s presence as soon as I stepped out of the car on the grounds of New Destiny Treatment Center. It was a feeling I had never felt before.

I believe the Lord spoke to me and said, “You’re safe now. Everything is going to be OK.”

Since I’ve been at New Destiny Treatment Center, I have gained a relationship with Jesus Christ. I knew about Him before, but I did not have a relationship with Him.

Jesus has changed my life dramatically. He gave me the strength to stop smoking cigarettes. I have been clean from crack cocaine for eight months and I have stopped cursing.

The most important change is that Christ has given me control over my anger. I used drugs for years to try to cover up the anger I felt over my life’s circumstances.

I cannot praise God enough for what He has done in my life. He has given me a renewed relationship with my mother and my family. I echo the words of a popular song, “Because He lives I can face tomorrow.”

I thank New Destiny Treatment Center staff members for all of their help. I especially appreciate those who have walked the same path I was walking. They have helped me find Christ and a new way of life.

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