“My life far exceeds any of the expectation I had.”

James Carpenter
Special to Spur Ottawa

Ottawa has a number of recovery ministries doing great work with struggling individuals. The stories of how they change lives are a fantastic source of encouragement. Here is James Carpenter’s story, which first appeared in Jericho Road’s December newsletter:

Jericho Road has played an integral part in my life and recovery. I first came to Jericho spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and definitely financially broken. I was addicted to drugs and alcohol. I lived only to serve myself, no matter who I hurt, lied to, or stole from. I was trying to fill an emptiness in my life and trying in vain to cover up my fear, pain, and resentments with substances. No matter how much I used or drank there remained a vacuum within.

I was full of crippling fear, panic, and I longed for the end of my life when I called out to God in desperation. As soon as I uttered the words, “God I can’t do this anymore, please help,” God began to do for me what I could not do for myself.

Now I sponsor others in recovery at Jericho Road.

At Jericho Road I was provided with structure, information about my illness, health, and sense of wellbeing, a foundation for my spirituality, relationships with others, and—the most important thing—a relationship with God. Jericho Road, like Alcoholics Anonymous, is a spiritual program. We acknowledge that apart from God, nothing is possible.

After nine months, I graduated from the program and lived in second stage for a while which provided me with continued structure and accountability. Now I sponsor others in recovery at Jericho. I give back in this way because there was someone to sponsor and support me when I needed help and also I need to give away what I have freely been given in order to stay sober and healthy.

So what does my life look like today? I wake up, thank God for the day, and go to work. I attend my Alcoholics Anonymous home group and meet with my sponsor.

My health has returned and I play sports again. I hang out with friends and have a wonderful girlfriend. I have hobbies and interests and am able to go on trips and vacations thanks to financial stability. I’ve attended school to further my career in arboriculture. My life has been returned and it far exceeds any of the expectation I had when I was down and out.

I am extremely grateful that Jericho Road is where I came to get my life back. I want to thank everyone who helped me along the way, when I couldn’t help myself. You are what made Jericho Road possible for me and for many, many others, and for many more to come.