I read a recent statistic that I think many of you will find surprising. Did you know that children of alcoholics and addicts are 4 times more likely to become addicted themselves*? It’s a startling reality, but a common thread running through the lives of so many women who come to Shepherd’s Gate. We literally hear it all the time. You may have read about Lisa in one of my recent letters. She was one of those children who, when you hear her story, you wonder if she ever really had a chance. Her biological father raised marijuana plants and gave Lisa her first hit at eight years old. Her mother and stepfather were alcoholics and drug addicts as well. The odds seem like they were stacked against her from the start. Still, Lisa fought to get her life together. After several years of sobriety, Lisa thought she had a dream life, but her heartache after her husband’s affair and the resulting divorce drove her to turn back to old habits. In just 4 months, her old addiction had completely destroyed her life. She was high. Destitute. Worst of all, she’d lost her 3 kids. Determined to put her life — and her family — back together, Lisa came to Shepherd’s Gate and began to live God’s way. Now sober, she’s been reunited with her children and is the kind of mom she always wanted to be. Without the dedication and generosity of Shepherd’s Gate supporters and donors, however, the painful cycle of addiction and brokenness would have been allowed to continue. I can’t emphasize it enough — you make a true difference! Not only in the lives of the women who come here, but in their children . . . their children’s children . . . the effect ripples out through our entire community.
Matching Gift Opportunity through May 31
And right now you have an opportunity to make an even greater impact. When you send a gift by May 31, a generous donor will double your gift! That means twice as many mothers will be able to turn their lives around because of your care and concern. As we get closer to Mother’s Day, please be praying for the women here. It can be a joyful day for those who have been reunited with their kids, but for those who are still working toward that goal, it can be a challenge. Feel free to leave notes or verses of encouragement in the comments section below! Thanks for all you do for the families here. Steve McRee