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A year from this day I was living with pain.
Extremely addicted—strung out on cocaine.
Couldn't avoid it, as hard as I'd try.
Had slipped to my lowest. Was ready to die.
My kids were my last, and my only concern.
But I was far gone and I couldn't return.
The pain was tremendous—you can't comprehend.
All that I wanted, was for it to end.
So much I had lost, seemed so little remained.
All I had worked for and I all I'd obtained.
Was gone or was going—I couldn't pull out.
All hope I'd once had was replaced with self doubt.
I swallowed my pride—got the help I was needing.
I had been cut and profusely was bleeding.
I went into treatment and met an old friend.
Who helped all my pain and my misery end.
You prob'ly all know him—Christ is his name.
I opened my heart to him. In, then, he came.
He took my addiction, replaced it with hope.
Freed me from bondage of drinking and dope.
I knew of his presence. I'd met him before.
But knew much too little. I longed to learn more.
Who was this man who had died for my sin.
Finally, this is where Alpha comes in.
The hunger I had for my God's only son.
To learn what he did, why it was it was done.
The questions I pondered were answered quite clear.
Took Christ from distant to being being real near.
My spirit would grow as I fed on his word.
From reading the scriptures, from lectures we'd heard.
My life was transformed—I'm continually growing.
Thanks to the savior I'm serving and knowing.
My once callous heart had been softened and warmed.
As I witnessed others, whose lives were transformed.
I made lots of friends that I might not have met.
What Alpha has done, I will never forget.
I'm thankful to Don and I'm thankful to Lori.
For all of their efforts in sharing Christ's story.
For week after week of them being committed.
For keeping this Alpha group so tightly knitted.
I'm grateful for all their concern and their care.
My gratitude's deeper. It doesn't stop there.
What made this course possible. Why I could take it.
Was due to so many who helped me to make it.
I have two young children, no sitter at night.
We're usually hungry and due for a bite.
If I'd had to feed them and find them a sitter.
I'd prob'ly skipped Alpha or ended a quitter.
That's where these other folks come into play.
They served us each night in the friendliest way.
They prepped all the food and they cleaned up the mess.
How thankful I am, these few words can't express.
Thanks for the meals you would, weekly, prepare.
For all of your time you were willing to share.
For all of the smiles you served with each meal.
For all the good feelings you helped me to feel.
Once we were fed and went into our studies.
My kids would retreat with their favorite buddies.
They both loved to come, always wanted to stay.
Thanks to you people who took them to play.
Thanks for your patience and making them smile.
Thank you for watching them all of the while.
Thanks for the love you so obviously'd show them.
Thanks for the time you took, getting to know them.
Thanks for the break that this dad, badly, needed.
How good that you were with them, how they were treated.
For all you had done I am grateful as can be.
Thanks from my kids and then thank you from me.
There's those who played music and led us to sing.
Thanks for the talents and efforts you'd bring.
Thanks for uplifting our spirits and hearts.
For helping us out with our worshipping parts.
Thanks to all others who came just like me.
For all of your friendship and helping me see.
What real friends are all about. Thanks for the hugs.
For helping me see I can live without drugs.