God's Amazing Grace
Hello, my name is Amy, and I want to share my testimony with you. I live in the NCC Transitional Home, a place that has become home for me. My story begins at the age of 13 when I first started using drugs, leading me into 24 years of active addiction.
During my junior year of high school, I missed so many days that I wasn't going to advance to 12th grade. My parents intervened, pleading with the principal. After some convincing, the school agreed to let me continue if I went to rehab. So, I checked into a 21-day rehab program. On the 20th day, my uncle came to pick me up. I sensed something was terribly wrong. One of my brothers had passed away from an overdose. You would think this tragedy would have been a wake-up call, but it wasn't. I returned to my old crowd, and my addiction worsened, consuming anything I could get my hands on. I found myself in and out of jail over 50 times. Paranoia took hold; I heard voices, hitchhiked aimlessly, and believed everyone was out to get me. Even in these darkest moments, looking back, I can see God’s grace was always with me.
In 2018, a series of devastating events led me to the Morgan County Jail. My brother, husband, and mother all passed away. My second child was born and placed in foster care. I spiraled out of control. After another stint in rehab, I had my third child. Fortunately, my father was able to take custody of my older kids and my newborn. I am eternally grateful to him for stepping in when I couldn't. Amidst this chaos, I was introduced to Fentanyl. In one year, I overdosed ten times and had to be revived with Narcan. It was then that God intervened by putting me in jail, saving my life.
Cut off from all communication by my father, I was left alone. But in that isolation, I found a calming peace amidst the chaos. A friend invited me to a class taught by the NCC. I was hesitant, but when she mentioned there would be a graduation and food, I decided to attend. Although I believed in God, I never had a solid foundation in Jesus. Through the classes, I learned about having a personal relationship with my Savior. I clung to Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Upon my release, I entered the NCC Transitional Home. For the first time, I found myself in a safe place with people genuinely rooting for my success. I gained lifelong friends, mentors, and reconnected with my father and children. NCC gave me another chance when no one else would. Now, I have a full-time job, my driver’s license, and a car that someone donated to the NCC for me. I’ve even opened a savings account for the first time in my life.
My children visit me on weekends, and I get to attend all their activities. I am working hard to gain full custody of them, and that day is now within reach. I am so thankful for the ministries at the NCC because without them, I don't know where I’d be.
During my junior year of high school, I missed so many days that I wasn't going to advance to 12th grade. My parents intervened, pleading with the principal. After some convincing, the school agreed to let me continue if I went to rehab. So, I checked into a 21-day rehab program. On the 20th day, my uncle came to pick me up. I sensed something was terribly wrong. One of my brothers had passed away from an overdose. You would think this tragedy would have been a wake-up call, but it wasn't. I returned to my old crowd, and my addiction worsened, consuming anything I could get my hands on. I found myself in and out of jail over 50 times. Paranoia took hold; I heard voices, hitchhiked aimlessly, and believed everyone was out to get me. Even in these darkest moments, looking back, I can see God’s grace was always with me.
In 2018, a series of devastating events led me to the Morgan County Jail. My brother, husband, and mother all passed away. My second child was born and placed in foster care. I spiraled out of control. After another stint in rehab, I had my third child. Fortunately, my father was able to take custody of my older kids and my newborn. I am eternally grateful to him for stepping in when I couldn't. Amidst this chaos, I was introduced to Fentanyl. In one year, I overdosed ten times and had to be revived with Narcan. It was then that God intervened by putting me in jail, saving my life.
Cut off from all communication by my father, I was left alone. But in that isolation, I found a calming peace amidst the chaos. A friend invited me to a class taught by the NCC. I was hesitant, but when she mentioned there would be a graduation and food, I decided to attend. Although I believed in God, I never had a solid foundation in Jesus. Through the classes, I learned about having a personal relationship with my Savior. I clung to Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Upon my release, I entered the NCC Transitional Home. For the first time, I found myself in a safe place with people genuinely rooting for my success. I gained lifelong friends, mentors, and reconnected with my father and children. NCC gave me another chance when no one else would. Now, I have a full-time job, my driver’s license, and a car that someone donated to the NCC for me. I’ve even opened a savings account for the first time in my life.
My children visit me on weekends, and I get to attend all their activities. I am working hard to gain full custody of them, and that day is now within reach. I am so thankful for the ministries at the NCC because without them, I don't know where I’d be.
The NCC teaches and assists with classes in the local jail and prison systems 7 days a week. We are very fortunate to be able to teach as many classes as we do. Classes range from Bible studies to general life skills classes like relationships, job skills, and anger management as well as book studies including Boundaries, Purpose Driven Life, and Life's Healing Choices.
Once a class is complete, we have a graduation with certificates and delicious meal. Most of the time, the graduates can't wait until the next class begins. As you an imagine, with around 40-50 classes a week, there is a lot of curriculum and books that go with each class. The NCC chooses to provide, at no cost to the inmate, any books and supplies that are needed for each class. With our Education & Discipleship Ministry being our primary focus, we raise a lot of funds for this one ministry. If you would like to contribute to this ministry, you can donate below. Thank You!
