My name is Dale B. and I was an alcoholic for many years. Once I began drinking I was full blown, all the way. Eating even became less important to me.

     At the end of 2010 I had been in a detox facility five times and a 28 day program; all of which did not work. I'd been through other programs but my pride led me to believe that if I had a job, a weekly paycheck, then I thought I could do it on my own. None of it worked. I needed a foundation in Christ. Nothing but the Fresh Start Program at Church on the Street has been able to help me.

     We cannot even live without Him. Without Him, I stumble and fall. I would drink myself to the point of death. I recently, in April, drank myself into the ICU twice. After that , I continued to lose everything that mattered to me, including my fiancee. I lost my job, I would sit in my car all day, just drinking. I had no hope and was a complete mess.

     July 3rd I came to church service at Church on the Street and the Lord put it upon Pastor James Taylor's heart to bless me by letting me into the Fresh Start program. On July 5th at our Tuesday service, the Lord enabled me to forgive Him for allowing my father to pass away when I was 10 years old just before Christmas. My father was my best friend and up until now I was unable to forgive God for taking him away.

     As we prayed, I saw two angels and God spoke forgiveness over me. A wonderful feeling of peace and forgiveness washed over me! As I wept, it felt as though a million pounds had been lifted off of my shoulders!

     Pastor Jim and Pastor Wes prayed for me and as they did I felt freed from the bondage I was under. Since then I have not had any desire or craving for alcohol. I have been sober for over two months now. I have a wonderful future, hope, health and a smile that comes from knowing the joy of the Lord!

     I praise God for His mercy, forgiveness, unconditional love and His grace!!!!

     May God bless you as He has blessed me!