From Broken to Hopeful
“I found myself in Owen County Jail. There was absolutely no hope—just total despair,” Christopher recalled.
Before arriving at Wheeler Mission, Christopher’s life was marked by both love and hardship. His mom, who introduced him to the Bible and church as a child, passed away from cancer—a loss that left him broken. His dad stepped in as his main support, teaching him hard work and life skills on the farm. But even with those values, Christopher drifted into addiction, heavy drug use, and hopelessness.
“I was a previous drug addict,” Christopher shared. “I had kids young, things at home were off, and it all spiraled downward. My biggest challenge was examining myself and seeing how I affected everyone around me.”
By 2023, Christopher had hit rock bottom. “I found myself in Owen County Jail. There was absolutely no hope—just total despair,” he recalled. But God wasn’t finished with him. A couple named Andy and Lisa came to the jail to lead chapel services, and week after week they encouraged Christopher until he gave his life to Christ. At first, he thought he could manage on his own, but it didn’t take long to realize he needed something more. “I needed a seriously big God for my serious issue,” he said. That realization brought him to Wheeler Mission’s Hebron Addiction Recovery and Discipleship Program at Camp Hunt.
Those first days, before Camp, Christopher spent a short time at the Bloomington shelter. He remembers feeling nervous and uncertain. But soon, God opened the door for him to enter Hebron, where everything began to change. There, Christopher learned that his addiction wasn’t just about substances—it was about idolatry. “I idolized everything in my life except God,” he admitted. Over time, God transformed his heart and renewed his hope.
Today, Christopher is a new man. He’s completed Hebron and is now part of Wheeler’s Servant Leadership Training (SLT) program. He’s served in the kitchen, at the front desk, cleaning dorms, and now, he’s been hired on staff.
“I’ve become more patient, more empathetic, and a lot more loving,” Christopher reflected. “Love wasn’t a piece of my life back then—but it is now.”
Through SLT, he’s also discovered gifts he never knew he had. “I didn’t realize I had administration and teaching skills. But now I can relate to the guys, help them understand Scripture, and walk with them as they grow.”
When asked what life looks like today, Christopher smiled: “I’m overwhelmed with joy. My old self has died, and I have a new life ahead of me. I don’t really have fear anymore. I know God is loving, kind, just, and holy. Even trials are part of sanctification—He’s growing me through them.”
Most importantly, Christopher is focused on his children and the future God has for him. “The biblical principles I’ve learned have prepared me to raise my kids the way God wants me to,” he said. “Before Wheeler, I was broken and hopeless. Since coming here, I am found, and I have hope that lasts forever in Christ.”
When asked where he’d be without Wheeler Mission, Christopher didn’t hesitate: “I’d still be in my mess—probably homeless or in jail.”
That’s why he’s deeply grateful. “I’m thankful for Wheeler Mission because of the leaders and teachers who have shaped me into the Christian God intended me to be. I hope people support Wheeler because this place provides hope and opportunity for anyone willing to change.”
Watch Christopher’s story here: Watch Video
