EDITOR:

A miracle is defined as “something only God can do or orchestrate.” I am pleased to be part of one now in progress. More than seven years ago now, I became connected with a young teenager in our local county jail. AJ was there as the end product of crime, foster homes, juvenile wards, addictions, violence, drug use, dysfunction and more. Despite his sad history, I saw a gleam of hope underneath. Once released, he returned to substances and further legal problems which earned him a three-year prison term downstate. The prison was as rough one, gangs and all. Fortunately, one clean inmate there, known as Bro Caleb, also saw his potential and the three of us stayed in close contact. AJ now called me ‘grandpa’. I picked up AJ from prison late in 2020. Quickly, he fell back into drugs and trouble again. All these years, I had encouraged him to go to drug rehab. No go.

Very surprisingly, after Christmas 2021, he asked me to take him to treatment at the Mission Bible Training Center) MBTC at Gaastra, Mich., two hours west of Esky. The center only offers 10-12 month programs because extended treatment is what is needed; 30-60 day programs rarely succeed. Commitment is necessary upfront, and it’s the time commitment that tends to scare addicts away, ironic because those who hesitate stay back and lose jobs and drug more. Those in ‘desperate’ need help will go.

I was holding my breath taking AJ; he was not into authority, trust, structure and humility. He only knew failing, broken dreams, lies and repeated utter defeat. Addiction does that. Him choosing to go there was pivotal. For weeks I heard nothing. Four weeks later, I got a call from him saying he was doing well. Blew me away. Weeks later, he asked his grandpa to come over for a family night at an Iron River partner church. I made eager plans.

Upon arriving I saw the ‘miracle’. He was clean, sharp, verbal, honest, awake, alive and enthusiastic. The staff and other clients shared the great, positive path he was pursuing. His 180-degree turnaround was the “miracle.” He was quoting God’s word to me. Imagine the growth and progress the next 10 months. He introduced his proud grandpa to everyone. I ate it up.

The mission of MBTC is to clean people up, break the addiction cycle and guide addicts into their God-given potential, to make kids responsible adults. I saw other DC men and women there also.

Maybe you or your child, parent or friend needs treatment; there is an 85 plus percent success rate for those who complete the program. For more information, contact the Overseer at the Mission (906) 265-6247, or email me at wyolaramie@yahoo.com. What do you have to lose? Good, additional news — it’s all free. Ready for your miracle?

Mike Olson

Escanaba