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New converts struggle to stay focused when other recovering addicts go back to their old ways. Date published: 11/24/2003
MEN TRYING to beat their drug addictions at New Life for Youth, a faith-based program in Spotsylvania County, often sing about their struggles.
“Trouble’s in my way, “Trouble’s in my way, now. “Gotta fast and pray, “I gotta fast and pray, now.” New Life needed a lot of prayers this spring. Three men the students admired “fell,” and went back to using drugs. Two of them stole money and vehicles from the program. The “brothers,” as the students call themselves, were shocked by the actions of those who’d led their worship and Bible classes. Chaos spread throughout the Spotsylvania facility called “the ranch,” and one brother who’d been in prison said it was as bad as a jail riot. Raymond Johnson didn’t know what to do. The Maryland man came to New Life in October 2002, after drugs cost him his job and almost ruined his family, and he quickly converted. Three days into the program, he heard a voice tell him he’d be OK. The 35-year-old seemed instantly certain of his convictions—and that he wouldn’t go back to crack or cognac. He hadn’t sampled an apple martini or bottle of Warsteiner, a German beer he loved, when he visited his family in May. He said he abstained, because even if people at New Life didn’t know about it, God would. But Ray hadn’t counted on finding drugs at the same refuge where he’d found such peace and clarity. He wanted to get as far away from New Life and the area called Beaverdam as he could. Then Ray realized his recovery was about him and his actions, not all the “crap” going on around him. Brothers regularly became wrapped up in what others did or said or what kind of punishment someone else got. That’s how it was when 35 or 40 men lived under the same roof and shared a bathroom. But Ray had made a deal with God to stay at New Life for 12 months and decided to stick to that commitment. He wouldn’t just do his time at New Life; he’d make it his mission to bring as many men there as he could.
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