to the PDF. - The Bridge Restoration Ministry

CROSSROADS
N EWSL ET T E R
“Bring the pieces together.”
The Bridge Restoration
Ministry Women’s Home
Editor’s Corner
Mike has a new
Radio Show
Michele Casey, Program/Second Chance Manager
The Women’s home has been open for a little over one year and it
has been a year of blessing and adventure. We have asked our first two
graduates to share what being here has meant for them. Thank you to
all who helped make this possible for these women. Being here is just
the beginning. Pray for them as they continue to transition. The first
year is really just the beginning of what we hope is a new foundation
for all the men and women who are here.
Everyone then who hears these words of
mine and does them will be like a wise man
who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24
Women’s Home Testimonies
VOL. 7 s ISSUE 1 s SUMMER 2015
Mike’s “Regeneration Show” can now be
hear on KKMC on 880 AM dial. The show is
aired at 11 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays
and again late Saturday night. Mike teaches
and as interview with of of The Bridge
members from time to time.
Board
Member
Mike recently spoke at the Carmel Valley Rotary
and also the Lion’s club. There was much interest
in our program and the Rotary felt it was one of the
most meaningful talks they have had. They would
like to continue a relationship with the Bridge to find
areas of mutual support. “
Ashley
With trying to kick my alcohol addiction on my
own I was triggered by people, places and things.
I had time and money with no sense of purpose or
a foundation. As we all know, “Idle hands are the
devils playground” and I was the perfect candidate.
When I walked through the door of the
Women’s Home I took my first step into a healthier
reality. The Bridge gave me stability through a
routine that included morning devotions,
reading materials, work at the same time every day and
dinner to be prepared by a weekly schedule. Who would
have thought just a few things I could count on would
give me a sense of peace; I wasn’t running around
thinking quantity is better than quality. The Women’s
home is quality! Laughter fills the rooms, as the
chatter amongst the ladies is always lively.
I learned to deal with situations not by drinking
and masking my feelings but by meeting it head on.
Protection from the outside world gave me new habits
I can count on today. Like having someone hold me
accountable and watch out for my best interest, out of love
and respect, this is something you just can’t get anywhere. Also
a foundation rooted in Christ will guide me in my decision making. And
lastly the feeling of belonging and knowing the door is never closed
allows contentment to be placed on my heart.
The Women’s home has given me a purpose and a reason to walk
with my head held high. I am filled with strength
through Christ and have a
passion for life. Because of
this, I am beautiful from the
inside out!
The Bridge
Member
Jasmine
I have been using on and off since I was 14
years old. When I turned 19 I became completely
engulfed by my addiction. I had lost respect for
myself. I lost my home several times and at one point almost lost
my life. I have tried to kick my addiction several times but it never
stuck. I’ve gone to meetings, changed my surroundings and the people
around me time and time again, but I could not outrun myself. I was
very depressed and very lost. I can honestly say that if it was not for
The Bridge I may not be alive today.
Coming to this program truly saved my life. I have never done
anything like this before, but truly believe it works. This program and
the people it has connected me to have not only taught me not only to
change the way I live but also the way I think. I am a follower of Christ.
I still have a lot more to learn, but the evidence of God’s work in my life
is apparent. My family is speaking to me, and they are proud of me,
and I am proud of me too! I am surrounding myself with good people,
strong believers in Christ, and I genuinely like who I am today.
Men Of The Bridge Testimonies
Graduate Mark
I came into the Bridge a broken
man. My 18 year old son had told
me I was the only one who could
repair what I had damaged.
The chaos I created with my
drinking and prescription
addiction dismantled my life
from being a productive building contractor to
sleeping on the beach.
Since graduating from The Bridge program, I work as
the House manager of The Bridge Restoration Ministry. I am
also a project manager for a large construction company now. I am
the quality control on site at The Bridge. I keep the rules enforced and
the house as a whole moving in the right direction. Moreover, my son
and I have reconciled and are rebuilding our relationship on a daily
basis.
My introduction and relationship with God has transformed me from
a fearful life to a fearless life. I have a peace inside now that was never
there, a calmness that I try to instill in the guys. I lead by example. I
am not pastoral but believe our actions dictate how we are perceived.
At some point in life we must draw a line in the sand. The Bridge
was that for me. I was able to rest and gather some positive thoughts
which made me able to make
right decisions. I remodeled
the Second Chance Thrift
store. I helped with many
projects at the Bridge and
worked with Moe at the City
of Pacific Grove Chamber. I
am building a resume in my
life as a sober Christian. The
motto I have taken up is “do the
next right thing” Its our mantra
The Bridge
at the Bridge. We strive to keep
Bringing the
introducing the positive small
pieces together.
See Mark otherside
Mark continued
things so that eventually it becomes second nature to carry your self with integrity. My promise
to anyone about The Bridge Restoration Ministry is “If you finish this program and give it 100%,
I promise you will get back all you lost and more. “ I thank God, Mike, Michele and all the board
members for their support and hope I can help this program continue to grow. I have Grace.
Upcoming Event
SAVE THE DATES
Saturday, June 13
Corner Sale
Graduate Cody
My addiction became second nature and I knew nothing else after
seven years of methamphetamine use. However, God had a plan for me.
I entered “The Bridge Restoration Ministry” December 19th, 2013. “The
Bridge” not only provided me with food and housing, they also introduced
me to community involvement, vocational training, relationship building,
transitional housing, Christian fellowship, and something greater than all,
a relationship with Jesus Christ. Mike and Michele Casey helped lead me closer to my Father
than I had ever been before. I now have two years eight months clean, a beautiful family, a great
job, a wonderful fellowship group, and a church family. I notice that a lot of guys are ashamed
of where they’ve been in their addiction, even ones who’ve completed the program and are
continuing to succeed. It’s very sad because the men in “The Bridge” can began to feel hopeless
or like outcasts amongst others in their environment. I know because I’ve been
there. I enjoy staying involved by going to “Regeneration” and meeting the new
guys. I believe we can all encourage and support these men not only financially
but emotionally as well. We have all made mistakes and we all have words
of wisdom we can share. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Your help has helped
change my life and will continue to change the lives of others. Thank You!
The
AMTOPMs0ACIlC'ROVE
Bank Of America Parking Lot
See details below.
Saturday, September 19
10 am to 2 pm
Pacific Grove
More detail to come. If you would like to
help with this event call 831-372-2033
Community
r
e
n
r
Co
SPONSORED BY
9 am to 3 pm
Bank of America Parking Lot
601 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove
Local people and businesses are cleaning out and
decluttering their homes and businesses... would you
like to donate your unused items to this event?
Purchase
Raffle tickets
for...
3ECOND#HANCE4HRIFT3TOREs717-4479
Fo
For the Kids
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 27
Monterey
CA 93940
For more information contact:
ks
& DrriSnale
RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED
All proceeds from sales and raffle benefit
The Bridge Restoration Ministry
a local year long residential
program for men and women.
BOUN Li
C
kets available NOW at
Second Chance Store
and at Corner Sale eve
nt.
More detail to come.
P.O. Box 113 | Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Framed 12 x 16 Li
thograph Print
will be raffled duri
ng the sale.
Tic
Annual Banquet
www.tbrm.org | 831-372-2033
thebridgeministry.blogspot.com
Furniture
Sporting Goods
Housewares
Clothing
Thomas Kinkade’s
“House of Hope”
Business Equipment
Kids Toys
One-of-a-Kind Items
c
i
s
u
M
e
& More!
v H O U se
gs
Hot Do
E
Friday, October 23
Community Outreach: The Bridge men helped with the
cleanup and setup of the “Good Olds” in Pacific Grove
April of this year.
e
l
June
13,
2015
a
S
S at u rday