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Connie Hello. My name is Connie. As I look back on my 55 years, there’s not much of life I haven’t experienced. Starting out as an abortion that failed, being three years old and thinking God made a mistake, I didn’t belong here. So I began searching for something or someone to fill the void. Along the way, there were broken marriages, children hurt, death of a husband, rapes, eating disorders, shoplifting, but most of all alcohol and drugs. They seemed to ease all the pain. In reality, it only made things worse. I ended up in a mental hospital and the rehab. In 1982, a man by the name of Billy Graham was coming to town. Something inside drove me to the revival. There I was, my first acquaintance with Jesus Christ. For several years, I would follow the Christian path, gathering a lot of head knowledge. Then tragedy struck and my second husband died leaving me all alone. Once again, alcohol and drugs became my comfort. During rehab, I began to realize just how many women in their late 30’s – 50’s were displaced in our society. God then placed upon my heart to someday have a home for such women. Years passed and dreams were forgotten. On March 2, 1999, I broke my neck. I died on the table and was allowed to be in the presence of God’s peace. It didn’t last long. He wasn’t through with me yet, so He sent me back. The physical pain as well as the feeling my whole life had ended drove me right back to alcohol and drugs. I have to admit I was also angry at God for not allowing me to stay with Him. Soon after my second operation, which by the way I should have been paralyzed, my 4-5 and 6-7 vertebrae were snapped in half. I moved to Madera from the Bay Area. I joined Yosemite Christian Center. I started doing evangelism at the Rescue Mission, but I had a secret: I couldn’t stop drinking. One Sunday in June 2004, I was worshipping and I realized I wanted a drink more than I wanted to be in church. Shame came over me. I thought how could I hurt the one person who loved me so much that He died for me. That day I left church and told God I was sorry, but I just couldn’t be this person anymore. I tried to end my life with pills and wine. I woke up! This was the beginning of my new life. I went to CAPP for 65 days. There I asked God to change my heart. You see, I had the head knowledge. Now it was time to get it from my head to my heart. He heard my cries and little by little, the healing began. I told God I’d do whatever it took, so I gave up my home and entered Life Houses of Faith Women’s Recovery Home. Again, I thought of my own home for women. But how, with no money? My dreams were set aside. At this time, I was introduced to Samaritan Women, a place of refuge for women. Here there was trust and Christ’s love. It was the only time shoplifting paid off. I got to be a part of this special place. Today I no longer have to wonder where I’m going. I’m on the path to my eternal home. All I have to do is keep my eyes on Jesus. I have found my purpose. It’s to share the gospel of Christ to others and if one of my experiences helps one woman, then it was worth it all. Two years later, God has restored my relationship with my family. He’s given me a wonderful Christian husband who helps me run the women’s home God showed me so long ago. We have an outreach for street kids, and I get to teach Victory Over Substance Abuse at Samaritan Women. Who would have ever thought I would be where I am today! Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
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