BTL Graduation

 For those who did not see my facebook post, this is Larry and Jack. They are best buddies at the City Rescue Mission. 

We met Larry last March when we started working in the kitchen and gained a new friend (actually several) in the process. Jack talks about Larry all the time and is always excited when we see him. Larry recently found employment and will be moving out of the Mission to be reunited with his wife (who also graduated from BTL a few months ago).

Last night we went to Larry's graduation from the "Bridge to Life" (BTL) program. It is about a year long (self paced) rehabilitation program through the Mission. Larry is special, as are the other graduates. He really did accomplish something great!  Larry was one of the speakers last night and shared with us his story. He was a drug addict for 27 years (meth, heroin, etc  - just about everything), in prison for 23 years, prison escapee, etc. He hit rock bottom last year on a high speed chase from the cops through OKC. Because of the City Rescue Mission - and most importantly the Lord - his life has been restored and he has hope. His slate has been wiped clean and we are privileged to call him friend.

The BTL graduation was the best graduation I have ever attended and I hope to attend many more while we live here. It was filled with celebration, worship, prayer, scripture, and personal stories. Not too many dry eyes were there last night. The Lord is working miracles in the lives of His children - it's an awesome thing to witness. The people we have met at the Mission have enriched our lives in innumerable ways. We don't bless their lives with our service, they bless ours!