Pubdate: Sat, 25 Dec 2004
Source: Free Lance-Star, The (VA)
Copyright: 2004 The Free Lance-Star
Contact:  http://fredericksburg.com/flshome
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1065
Author: Cathy Dyson

FAITH-BASED REHAB PROGRAM SPARKS BIG TURNAROUND FOR RAYMOND JOHNSON

Raymond Johnson spent a year in a faith-based drug-rehab program in
Spotsylvania County--and now he's taking advantage of every new
opportunity that comes his way.

Ask Raymond Johnson how things are going, a year after he finished a
faith-based drug-rehab program, and he sounds like a broken
record--but in a good way.

For instance, when you wonder how married life is treating him, the
joy in his voice comes through loud and clear, even over the telephone.

"It's exactly like I hoped it would be. I'm happy Everything is just
clicking."

And his job with Goodwill Industries in Richmond, how's that
going?

"I ain't gonna lie. I love Goodwill, what they do, what they stand
for."

How about Javan? How's your 10-year-old adjusted to all these changes
in your life?

"He is awesome."

And life in general? Is it what you expected after spending a year at
New Life for Youth, a drug-rehab program in Spotsylvania County?

"I have a real sense of joy about me, knowing that I'm able to move
on, with God in my life. God is awesome, I really wanna put that in
the story. God has really, really blessed me in a mighty way, with my
marriage, my job situation, my family, being able to be a positive
influence to others."

Told you.

The same Ray who was stealing from his family to buy drugs two years
ago and lying to everyone around him is now a walking, talking ray of
sunshine.

Johnson, 36, was featured in a two-part series in November 2003 about
students at New Life near Beaverdam. The program is for men only, set
at a remote facility the "brothers" call "the ranch."

Johnson's family brought him there, from Maryland, in October 2002. On
his third day, Johnson experienced a quiet conversion, after he heard
a voice tell him everything would be all right.

Men are encouraged to spend a year rebuilding their lives and learning
how to beat their addictions. They often speak about becoming a "new
creature" in Christ, as mentioned in the Bible, in I Corinthians 5:17.

But no one is forced to stay in the free program. During Johnson's
time at the ranch, he saw men leave after a few months, days or even
hours. Others, who rose to leadership positions among the students,
fell into their old habits later.

Johnson's newfound faith was tested, often, but he held on. He
graduated in October 2003 and decided to "give back" to the program by
working for six months as the unpaid assistant director.

Meanwhile, Johnson was attending services at New Life Outreach
International Church in Richmond, which sponsors the men's facility
and several others in the Richmond area. Johnson got up the nerve to
speak to one of the women in the congregation.

The two started seeing each other at church fellowships, and Deitre
encouraged him to keep his trust in God. He and Deitre were married on
Sept. 11, 2003, and are living in Chesterfield County.

They hope to have a child as soon as possible. Johnson would love to
have a little girl to spoil. His son, Javan, lives in Maryland with
his mother, but Johnson talks with him every day.

Johnson has been working for Goodwill Industries in Richmond for six
months, and just got a promotion. He's now a customer-service
representative who helps clients make the move from welfare to work.

"He's actually changed the face of the job center since he's been
here," said Shirley Scott, his supervisor. "He's genuinely concerned
about the customers who come through here."

The only problem? "Sometimes, we have to remind him, 'You can't do it
all, Ray. You can't save 'em all,'" she said.

Scott knew about Johnson's addiction and his time in rehab when she
hired him. That's why she gave him another chance.

"I think it was pretty obvious that Ray had reached the low point of
his life and was on his way up," she said. "He's going to take
advantage of every opportunity that's given him and move forward."
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