Rock Springs Church
6601 Zebulon Road, Macon
6:30 pm
On July 14h the Rescue Mission was joined by a large crowd of family and friends as 10 women and 19 men graduated from our Life-Recovery Program! Each graduate completed over 2,500 hours of recovery care activities on their journey to a transformed life by way of Jesus Christ. The event featured amazing praise and worship led by the worship team from Rock Springs Church in Macon, along with inspiring stories of life transformation from our graduates!
Meet Our Graduates
Addison Einhorn
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I want to work, save money and go to college for an athletic science degree.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
This place is genuine. There is a lot of love here and this place gave me peace.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
To make good relationships with people and stay in contact with the people you meet.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
I will stay in the same healthy routine…work, church, gym, and Celebrate Recovery.
Chevy Hawkins
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I plan on staying for Phase 3 and building a foundation for my new life by saving for a house or an apartment. If God allows, I would like to work for the Rescue Mission and be able to give back. I am going to stay connected to Celebrate Recovery and I now have a new church family here at Rock Springs.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
A new beginning and a safe place to share all my problems and heal from them. A place that teaches you tools for Christ-like life. It is a grace-filled God community. It is a home, a loving family, and life.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
Give this community a chance and allow yourself to be open to the process. Embrace new things, allow change, and ask questions. Life up your leaders and fellow brothers. Love one another. Allow God into your life and his grace. Trust the process, lean on God’s understanding, and not your own. Have patience.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
It has allowed me to see people in a new light. I will not judge because everyone has something they are going through. I will get to know new people and show them grace when it is needed. I will spread God’s word and embrace change. I will have patience and allow God to work. I will focus on my future and not my past because my past does not define me. I am a new creation.
Cory Taylor
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I plan to stay connected to my sisters here at the Mission and tell others what the Mission has done for me.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
Freedom! I now have freedom from my addiction
What would you tell future residents about the Mission? That the Mission provided a safe place for me to heal and develop and grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
I will use the tools and knowledge to overcome any obstacles that may come in the future.
Danny Cowart
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I want to work for the Rescue Mission and stay in contact with the people I’ve walked with. Stay positive with what God has shown me.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
I think of love and grace. People who know what I am going through with my struggle and who want to help me become a better man. This is a safe place.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
You need to change your life with the help of God and others. You are not alone with whatever you are going through. God has a plan if you want it.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
Forgive me and the past. Be thankful for another chance at life.
Horace Rumph
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I plan to transition into Phase 3 housing, obtain a job, continue attending Celebrate Recovery, get a sponsor, and become a part of a 12 Step group. I want to continue to be a leader in our community, give advice when needed as well as being a volunteer.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place
My favorite verse is Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission
Do not leave before the miracle happens.
Your past does not define your future.
The Lord will fight for you, you only have to be still.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future
Humanly speaking, it is impossible;
But with God everything is possible;
I must always remember to put God first in everything that I do.
Jasmine Edge
What are your plans after graduating from the program
I plan to transition to the Living Tree and stay involved with Celebrate Recovery.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place
This is the place where I was able to heal and build my relationship with God.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission
It may be tough at times and seem like you will never make it but that is what makes it so rewarding when you do.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future
I will use everything I was taught to prevent me from going back to old behaviors. I will include God and prayer in everything I do.
Johnny Dunn
What are your plans after graduating from the program
To enter into transition, find a job, and be prepared for life.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place
Love!
What would you tell future residents about the Mission
Sit, listen, let your guard down, have faith, and let the healing begin.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future
I will use them to embrace life and move forward.
John Conner
What are your plans after graduating from the program
I plan to stay in Phase 3 and work at SYC as a meat cutter. I plan to continue to rebuild my life with God.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place
Wow! What an amazing place, a safe place. I am so thankful for the Mission.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission
Stay the course. It is an amazing chance at a new life.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future
I will have to take the tools I’ve learned at the Mission and apply them to my life the best that I can.
Joshua Kent
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I plan to stay in Phase 3 and enter back into society peacefully without all the chaos I was creating for my family and myself.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
James 5:16, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
This place can change you if you allow it. Do everything that is asked of you even if you do not understand the reason.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
The things that I learned here taught me to handle negative experiences/situations with new perspectives. What I learned completely changed my actions and emotions toward people during these times. Understanding is usually something they are going through and has nothing to do with you. Romans 2:1.
Keith Horton
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
To find employment and be a productive member of society while enjoying God’s grace.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
The Rescue Mission saved my life.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
It is a great place to turn your life around by the grace of God.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
I will help others whenever and wherever I can just as the Rescue Mission has done for me.
Keith Rooney
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I want to continue building healthy relationships with people in need.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
The reconstruction of a relationship with God, family, and friends.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
To get past your pride. This is a life-changing program so give it a chance.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
Keeping my eyes focuses and in a straight line on the prize.
Lamario Thomas
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I need a job and I am going to find one. I lost everything before coming to the Rescue Mission and refuse to give up on God. I want back what I lost. I will work hard to not be homeless again.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
Growth and development along with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are what come to mind when I think of this place.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
You can survive the things that your mind may tell you that you cannot. Please just do the program and don’t get mixed up in other people’s foolishness.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
This experience taught me to be patient and let go of what I cannot control. I learned how to speak without a mask, hiding who I am. Now my past is no longer a threat to my future. My future can come to pass with the mindset that I have now, thanks to God.
Lynn Harris
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I am transitioning here at the Mission. As far as my future is concerned I have officially given Jesus the wheel into this next phase of my life. It is whatever he has planned, and wherever he leads I’ll follow.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
True Humility. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with nothing but compassion, love, and service. Everyone including the CEO, Pat Chastain, all the directors, the staff, the administrators, and volunteers down to the residents asking how they could be of service daily humbling themselves before God and others allowing me to see Jesus through them. It truly changes you.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
So often we focus on what we have to give up rather than focus on the result. Don’t let your problems define you, let them refind you. Get up and show up every day regardless of how you feel. Decide that today I’m going to do the next right thing and you will be amazed how God will work to transform your life. I know He did it for me, he can do it for you as well if you just turn it all over to Him.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
By paying what I received here forward both in service and in love to others.
Mary Lou Angelo
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I plan to live in transitional living here at the Mission until I can find a place to live.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
I loved and enjoyed being here because I knew that this is where God wanted me to be.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
Please come and complete the program and do what they ask you to do.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
Be that we are Christians we should go to church and belong to the church, and it will help me always.
Megan Jacobs
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I intend to stay for the transition program. It will be best for me to take this opportunity to practice my new life in Christ while remaining in the community so that I have continued support and accountability before moving into the next season of my life.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
Peace. Opportunity. Grace.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
This is the medicine you didn’t know that you needed. There is so much freedom here- freedom to grow where you don’t have to be ashamed of stumbling because you’re guided through that with grace as well. The staff walks with you in a way that you trust because they show you just how much we all have in common. All of us are recovering from something and that transparency makes this place beautiful.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
I am going to remember prayer, patience, and grace. Those three things carried me through my time here and I believe they’ll carry me the rest of my life. I’ve also learned to examine my emotions and responses to circumstances, which is something I never wholeheartedly did before coming to the Mission. I’m very thankful for having been given the opportunity to truly examine myself and heal here.
Melissa Rodriguez
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
To keep my focus on God, seek employment, and work on rebuilding a stable life for my child.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
Grace. This place held onto me when everyone else ran the other way. They accepted me for who I was with no judgment and gained my trust so that I could open up and heal.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
Don’t work the program but allow the program to work for you.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
I plan to always put God first and know that I do not need to seek validation from others.
Ray Clower
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I plan to work with Mike Mays after I graduate.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
Forgiveness and grace!
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
To sit still and give it a chance. Make it through the first two months.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
This place, the Mission, has given me the tools I need to help me in my walk in my new life.
Robert Collins
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
After I graduate from the Rescue Mission, I am going to stay in Phase 3 transitional housing. I want to get my GED, get a job and eventually get a car. I want to continue going to Celebrate Recovery and Rock Springs Church. I also plan to stay in touch with my forever friends from the Mission.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
This place is life changing.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
The Rescue Mission is a beautiful place with a loving and caring staff that loves Jesus. If you want to change your life spiritually forever and leave your old addicted life behind you, The Rescue Mission is the place for you.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
My outlook on life has changed completely. I now see myself how God sees me. I am a new creation in Jesus Christ, and I am so thankful to the staff at the Rescue Mission for showing me that.
Sierra Blackmon
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I am going to camp in Florida where I will be ministering and encouraging you that were just like me and I will help lead them to a life in Christ. I want to serve Christ and them.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
Hearing and growth when you open up about your past and your wounds. Freedom to speak about your past and your faith in Christ.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
Talk about your thoughts or mistakes that you might think you have done that are bothering you
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
Seek council from women instead of men. Confess my thoughts and mistakes to at least someone I trust. Stop seeking men’s acceptance and love, and always remind me that I have God’s love and acceptance, and that is all that I need. His grace is sufficient for me and that is more than enough.
Steven Zervos
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I want to get into a 12 Step program and find a church home. I know that I have to stay connected.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
This place is healing for the mind, body, and soul.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
You’re only going to get out of this program what you put into it so be honest with yourself.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
Instead of holding the thing in that are difficult to talk about, I have to feel comfortable talking about the uncomfortable.
Tripp Stillwell
What are your plans after graduating from the program?
I plan on reentering the workforce, staying connected, and serving the community and my church.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about this place?
You can never turn too far away from God that you cannot turn back.
What would you tell future residents about the Mission?
Stay still, give it time, and let go of your old self.
How will you use the experiences here to assist you in your future?
I now have a tool bag full of tools and Biblical promises and truths to stand on when life gets hard.
