Sometimes, the enemy uses those whom you may least expect - like your co-workers.

Let me explain. In April 2000, James (not his real name) and his family moved to Albuquerque from Reno, Nevada for a new job in Rio Rancho. Wanting to fit in with his co-workers, James started using crack cocaine and became addicted.

After a lot of anguish and turmoil caused by James' drug abuse, he quit his job. There was soon no more money. As a result, along with his wife Martha (not her real name) and their three children, James came to Joy Junction the first time around in Aug. 2000.

Hoping to permanently conquer what had become a life-controlling and family- threatening addiction, James joined Joy Junction's life recovery program, the Christ in Power Program (CIPP).

James said, "My wife told me for a long time to get help, and I figured this was the place to get it. While on the CIPP Program, I learned more about God and myself than I ever could have on my own."

However, while James had been doing well, he was about to hit a serious bump in the road. He said, "As I was getting better with my addiction, and closer to God, I hit a "self destruction relapse" button."

James relapsed twice, always making sure, however, he left Joy Junction property before succumbing to his old addiction.

He said, "That caused me to almost lose my family twice."

James said while he was using drugs he had no idea what he was doing to his family. He said, "My wife and I have three children. I would spend our money, and then tell my kids 'no' about going to the store. I would always put them last, but they never put me last. For almost two years I did this to my family. My wife would even try to hide money ... "

By God's grace, James worked through his issues. After we saw the progress he was making, we offered James a staff position at Joy Junction. James accepted, and worked for us and lived on site until 2003. However, when another higher paying job offer came along, James felt it was time to move on.

Reflecting back on that time in his life James said, "During my stay at Joy Junction, I received a lot of compassion and a desire to develop a closer relationship to God. The staff here taught me a better way to live with God in my life. After I learned to love my family again, I got a better job. I worked for my family, not for me. I put my notice in and went to work at a tire shop."

Excited about their future, James, Martha and the kids never dreamed what trials lay ahead. In March 2006 James suffered a massive heart attack. He recalled asking the Lord for His help.
After a one year recuperation, James was able to return to work. However, he ended up with a hernia and a nine month recovery period. As a result, the family got behind on their rent and were evicted. That caused a return to Joy Junction.

Surprisingly, James isn't angry about all the ups and downs he's experienced in life. He said his current stay at Joy Junction has been the most rewarding ever for he and his family, and that's for a very specific reason.

He said, "Because we have more love for God which reflects on to the other people staying here who want that same (experience) for themselves. I praise Joy Junction for the reason they're here. Not for the symbol of homelessness, but the symbol of love and of hope (of Jesus Christ) for all who come here!"

It is such a joy to see James and Martha's happy, smiling faces at our church services. I'm thrilled to tell you that James has now been drug free for years and never relapsed.

I'm also so appreciative that when James and Martha had no place to stay earlier this year, they knew to call Joy Junction. When they're ready and able, we want to see them return to self-sufficiency. Meanwhile, we believe every day they live and serve the Lord while they stay at Joy Junction is a step in that direction.

That you for allowing us to provide a "safety net" for the many "James's and Martha's" we are privileged to help daily. When you're falling and experiencing difficulties, there's no better place to fall than into the arms of Jesus.

Thank you for allowing us to be the physical manifestation of those reassuring arms of Jesus for the last 23-plus years. Without you we couldn't do it.