One look at today’s headlines and it’s no secret that drug and alcohol addiction are on the rise. Additionally deaths by overdose are increasing as well. While there are many opinions on how to best address this crisis through awareness campaigns, rehabilitation centers, and medically assisted therapy, Freedom Farm Ministries is committed to helping men break free from addiction through Christ’s transforming power. It is this mission that sets Freedom Farm apart from other secular addiction treatment centers. The core philosophy of Freedom Farm Ministries is to focus on the individual heart, giving the opportunity for eternal change and new life through Christ.
Each year, men come to Freedom Farm in search of hope and transformation. For many, this is a last resort after trying other addiction treatment programs. Many report that while they learn some useful tools in a secular rehabilitation program, there is something still missing. Freedom Farm Ministries’ unique one-year, four-phase program fosters not just sobriety but spiritual renewal through the gospel and Christ’s redemption.
Meet Jeffrey
Jeffrey’s journey through addiction began in his late teens, leading to a destructive lifestyle of repeated failures and short-lived recoveries.
“For the longest time, my faith was strong and my desire to use was non-existent. During my senior year of high school though, things switched. I became an atheist and started to use drugs and alcohol. This continued into my early 20’s, with my drinking becoming heavier and my purpose for life non-existent. Finally, the drinking got so bad I could no longer work or function without a constant supply of alcohol.”
Jeffrey continued in this destructive lifestyle until his father intervened and Jeffrey was enrolled in his first 30 day rehabilitation program.
“While those 30 days were helpful, there was still something missing in my life, and I was quickly back to drinking again. Over the next four years, I was on a repeat cycle: find a new job, get my own place, do good for a few months, then quickly self-destruct. I tried many different things including therapy, medication, AA, change of jobs, friends, etc… But still I was not yet ready to fully surrender.”
The Ultimatum
Despite multiple interventions, it wasn’t until Jeffrey’s family presented him with a final offer, to enroll in the Christian Addiction Recovery Program at Freedom Farm Ministries, that he truly began to turn his life around. Jeffrey accepted his family’s offer and moved to Boone, away from everything he had ever known, and entered the Freedom Farm program.
“The Freedom Farm program was something very new to me. Suddenly I had no control in my life. I was told when to get up, when to eat, where to go, and participate in things even if I didn’t want to. I was definitely out of my comfort zone.”
The program’s structured environment and spiritual focus were initially challenging for him, but it was through these challenges that he began to open his heart to Christ’s teachings. As Jeffrey settled into life at Freedom Farm, he began to notice a change in his heart.
“Soon I realized something was changing in me. While still uncomfortable, I had an openness in my mind and heart. I began to truly seek out Jesus Christ. It was in the second phase of the program, Restoration, where I finally fully surrendered to Jesus. My life was handed back to me in a way I could never have imagined when I was trying to get sober on my own.”
The Freedom Farm Ministries Difference
For Jeffrey, the difference in this program was the foundation built on Jesus Christ.
“All the information that I learned about sobriety and healthy living suddenly “clicked” and made sense to me. All of that stuff was true only if Christ was at the center.”
Jeffrey completed the one year program and graduated with a new mindset and attitude towards life.
Like all of us though, Jeffrey’s journey is not without a few bumps in the road. Six months after graduating from the program Jeffrey found himself living from his old mindset.
“I slipped back into my old way of thinking. I wanted to take my life back on my terms. I graduated from the program, moved out, and went right back into my old habits. I was a lost sheep again, and in just six months I found myself evicted, truck impounded, broke, and homeless. After checking myself into detox, I was asked to find a program to go to.”
This time Jeffrey knew exactly where to turn: Freedom Farm Ministries. Jeffrey reflects on the love and grace he was shown during this time.
“The first place I called was Freedom Farm Ministries. I did not even hesitate. And just like the love and grace Jesus has for us, the ministry took me back in on a scholarship.”
Jeffrey quickly found himself back in the loving and accepting place he had before he left the program. During his time at Freedom Farm Jeffrey learned and experienced God’s great love for him which was transformative.
“Through the love and grace of Jesus, I learned to be humble, patient, and loving. I found myself being not only comfortable with life and others, but with myself.”
Finding Redemption in Christ
Through Christ’s grace and redemption, Jeffrey now has a different life. While God receives all the glory for this transformation, Jeffrey thanks Freedom Farm for their presence in his life.
“While there might have been a chance to do all of this on my own, without Freedom Farm Ministries, I am almost 100% sure this would be impossible. God is good, always. Freedom Farm is a blessing in my life I would be lost without.”
Freedom Farm serves as a light in the darkness of addiction by pointing others to the power and salvation of Christ. Those battling addiction are receiving freedom and wholeness through Jesus.
This work is also made possible in part to the generous giving of donors who play an integral role in helping Freedom Farm continue in their work. Current participant, Dwayne, relayed a message to donors.
“I would like to express gratitude to the donors for any help given [to Freedom Farm]. This organization has greatly changed my life with the teaching of God; along with donors, staff members, family, friends, and mainly Jesus, we are not alone…this time in my life is the best, I have peace and love. Thanks does not speak enough for what you have done for me. I am truly blessed.”
If you or someone you love are battling addiction, please contact us today by calling (828) 202-5907, or submitting an application online. If you would like to help Freedom Farm through a financial donation please visit our donation page.