Taking
a Path of Light
Client testimony by Willie Hayes
I grew up living a life of sin.
It all started rather innocently. My mother was a happy lady who was always
smiling and helping other people. My father was separated from my mother,
but we would often go to visit him.
However, my mother and father were alcoholics for as long as I can remember.
When we went to visit my father, he and Mom would invite company to drink,
dance and have fun. This pattern continued for many years.
As I watched my parents, I began thinking I should behave the same way. I
started to drink. Little did I realize the sinful behavior that would result
from taking that path.
In junior high, I stole sports equipment from the school. I got caught, but
was let off the hook with probation and firm warnings to behave better for
at least one year.
In high school, I was suspended for smoking marijuana and not attending classes
for two weeks. Mom cleaned houses for a living and took me to work with her.
After graduation, I joined the U.S. Army and continued drinking. I got into
trouble with sergeants and other enlisted members. My behavior led to an
honorable discharge.
I learned how to smoke, make and sell crack cocaine three months after I
returned home. After playing basketball one day, my brother, a friend and
I went into a high drug trafficking area to buy crack. We didn’t know
that law enforcement officers were watching. We were arrested and went to
jail for buying an illegal substance.
When I went to court, the judge gave me the choice of six months in jail
or 30 days in a rehabilitation program. I chose rehabilitation even though
I had to pay for it myself.
I didn’t complete the program. I didn’t want to pay for something
I was not ready to do, so I ruined my opportunity for treatment and spent
six months in jail instead.
Still a prisoner of my path of darkness, I managed to get a job at a carnival
after going through a divorce from my wife. During that time my addiction
grew worse. One day I nearly drove off the road because I was tired and drunk.
The incident scared me, so I decided to quit my job at the carnival.
I moved from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, Ohio, and eventually got remarried.
I stopped using cocaine but continued drinking alcohol and using marijuana.
During a five-year period, my wife and I separated three times. I did not
seek help, so my wife finally said we were finished.
My pastor visited and asked me if I was ready for treatment again. He suggested
the New Destiny Treatment Center and explained that it was a nine-month spiritual
program. I agreed to try it.
I had known about Jesus but didn’t really understand all that He could
be to me. The New Destiny Treatment Center helped me gain a better understanding
through the chapel services every day. I repeatedly heard that I should give
Him the “wheel” of my life.
The treatment center also introduced me to a counselor who cares enough to
show me how my wrong behaviors can be corrected by letting God change me.
I have been overcoming my addictions ever since.
Now I am on a path of light rather than darkness. I will be forever grateful
to all of the staff and supporters of the New Destiny Treatment Center.
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