Real Recovery

Alcohol, pornography and marijuana filled the void and gave the feeling of affirmation that Troy wanted so much when he was seeking acceptance. While the enemy's lies continually tried to push him over the edge, Jesus had a greater purpose in store.

Being surrounded by a cycle of addiction growing up causes many to follow that pattern themselves, even if that wasn't their intention. The Lord answered Theresa Eastman's desperate prayer and gave her direction on how to reach the people on the reservation with the radical love of Jesus.

*This program originally aired on March 29, 2020 Bill and George consider the role humility plays in recovery.  Then, hear the incredible testimony of Jay who went from running with a gang to ministering to addicts as a pastor.

Disfunction and traumatic experiences seemed to come one after another for Peggy Isakson growing up. Later when the chaos of life became too stressful to handle, she turned to drinking to try to cope with it all. Allowing God to take over her life and not just save her was the catalyst for the change to begin.

*This program originally aired on November 1, 2020 Shane grew up experiencing loss, bullying and loneliness. He turned to drugs and gangs which led to prison. That's where he experienced the love and presence of God through the book of John.

Many of us can become very fixated on our body image, and it even can slowly turn into being an idol in our life. Shawn Maves got drawn to bodybuilding at a young age and it wasn't until he learned that God has our hearts set on eternity that things began to turn around.

*This show originally aired on December 13, 2020 Bill and George review each step, how they fit together, and the key difference between Christian 12 step programs and their secular counterparts.

No matter how far we go astray or how often we fall back into sin, God still pursues us. Isabelle built a belief that everyone in her life would eventually leave her and this led to her continued using, but Christ still had a greater plan in store.

Like so many have experienced, a diagnosis starts a pain medication treatment and it can go off the rails from there. Some are fortunate enough to get to the place of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. This was the case for Janessa and now God is doing a new thing ( Isaiah 43:18-19 ) in her life, by giving her purpose in Honduras .

*This show originally aired on September 13, 2020 From 16 shots in 9th grade and asking for forgiveness every week at church, to proving that he wanted to be sober and have a relationship with Christ, Jake's story is an honest story. Highlighting Christ's redemption, grace, and mercy even when things get out of hand.

Once we give it a foothold, our brain can begin to control our decision making and overtake us in some instances. This was the case for Janet, as she struggled with being honest about her drinking problem. But eventually creating a plan to stick to every day made all the difference and led her in the right direction.

The search for acceptance is one that many of us struggle with and this was no different for Rolando growing up. A tough upbringing and lack of a support system led him down a winding road, but when a few people at Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge refused to give up on him everything changed.

Rev. Carl Johnson (Pastor at Faith City Church in St. Paul) felt a calling at a very young age to be a preacher, but it took a long time to put this plan in action. He got involved with gangs, selling drugs, found himself homeless, and in prison multiple times and despite all of that God still had a greater plan in store.

*This show originally aired on August 23, 2020 Scott started drinking liquor at age nine. Then lost his dream in an accident; it just got worse. Listen to a miracle unfold as Scott radiates the impact church played in turning his life around in recovery.

*This show originally aired on March 22, 2020 Bill and George discuss how to stay connected to a recovery group amid the coronavirus outbreak.  Then, Terry shares his story of how Jesus rescued him from a life of addiction and hopelessness.

Even though Jim grew up as the son of a Pastor, he still struggled with his search for identity and sense of belonging. There's no substitute for strong relationships with fellow believers and having people in your corner that will never give up on you ( Proverbs 18:24 ). Click here to learn more about Jim.

*This show originally aired on March 8, 2020 Bill and George explore what it means to  turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.  Then, Charles shares his story of growing up in an unstable environment, spiraling into addiction and then eventually finding redemption and hope in Jesus.

*This show originally aired on March 1, 2020 Where can we turn when we hit rock-bottom? Chris S. shares his story to reveal the damage his addiction caused, what it took to change his life, and the encouraging truth that a better life is possible.

Drinking can deeply impact all relationships of your life and especially the closest ones, nobody knows that better than Rosella. Constantly returning to the spirit God calls us to have of gratitude is essential, as this then leads to joy.

*This show originally aired on February 2, 2020 The first step in recovery is to admit you are powerless over your addiction and that you need help.  Bill and George discuss this and then welcome former semi-pro hockey player and professional wrestler Ricky Rice to the show.  Ricky shares how God rescued him from a life of addiction and violence and is now using him to rescue others.

Even though twenty-one treatment centers didn't bring complete recovery for Rosey's mom; her story is one of forgiveness, redemption, and the love of Christ.

Stephanie was very driven, focused and bright growing up but one experience & following life circumstances led her down a path of destruction. Alcoholism led to drug addiction and a near death experience, but what the enemy meant for evil in her life ( Genesis 50:20 )- He turned for good.

Even when all can seem lost and life can feel worthless, the Lord will still be there to welcome you back with wide open arms. We highlight five testimonies from participants of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, who moved from places of hopelessness to confidence, by finding their identity in Christ.

Encore Presentation: When you invite Jesus into your pain and addiction, you invite Him to reorder your life for the better.  Bill talks about this with Author Seth Haines who left a life of addiction and is now being used by God to minister to those still struggling through his writing.

Joel Carlson grew up in a loving, Christian home. However, as an adult, his greed and narcissism led him down a path of not wanting to keep up with the Jones' but be the Jones' with whom people tried to keep up. This led to alcoholism, a felony conviction and time in prison.