“Money and time are a bad mix when you have problems with drugs and alcohol.” That’s what 64-year-old Powell discovered when he retired a couple years ago.

A functional drug and alcohol abuser, he’d managed to go to college, work in responsible positions and maintain a good lifestyle for his wife and six children. But Social Security and retirement benefits gave him the time and means to begin drinking all day, every day. “My 32-year marriage ended and I concluded I’d better change my life or I might not be around,” Powell says. “Fear and common sense led me to get some help.”

Referred by social services, Powell decided to join Open Door Mission’s New Life Recovery programs . “The year-long commitment to the programs didn’t stop me. All I brought was a duffle bag. I got rid of anything that was tied to me — that might give me a temptation to leave.” That was in September 2005. Powell looks forward to successfully completing the programs in July.

Before coming to the Mission, Powell believed in God out of fear. But today, he has crossed the bridge to a new life in Christ. “Now I have a real relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ. There’s a lot of emphasis here on Bible study and being part of a church. I couldn’t do it myself. I tried and look where it got me,” he says.

Powell has reconnected with his children since joining the programs . “I was estranged from my family. The Mission has made it possible to reestablish my relationship with my whole family.”

“The people here at Open Door Mission are careful stewards of God’s gifts. They give you a hand up not a handout. They’re here for the needy, not the greedy.” Powell pauses, chuckling. “I guess I’m preachin’ at you now.”

Powell spends his time doing church outreach, going to Bible class and helping around the Mission instead of drinking these days.

“I’m eternally grateful for what this place has given me and that won’t stop when I leave. I want to live Galatians 5:25 every day: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

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