For some, the words in Luke 6:38 may seem like a platitude. But for Duke, these and many other bold prayers of faith spoken by his Grandmother burned inside the heart of this broken man for many years. Until one day, they became a blessing in his life.

And for Duke, the answered prayers of his grandmother became Wayside Cross’ Master’s Touch Ministry. A Christian shelter and recovery center for the wayward and addicted. 

Never the model child, Duke was a recovering addict who spent a few years in and out of jail. One day, he found himself at a crossroads in life. It was a defining moment that eventually led him to Wayside Cross, a place of recovery and hope.

Each year, hundreds seek out this Bible-based, Christ-focused ministry for the broken and wayward. You might say, it was just what the doctor ordered, or in his case, Duke’s grandmother.

For years, this 87-year-old woman prayed for her grandson, that God would take away this prodigal’s addictions and set his feet firmly upon the strait and narrow. She prayed he would discover a relationship with Jesus and to know a peace that surpasses all understanding.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10

Leaving it all to God is a supreme act of faith. But in this case, the devout grandparent’s prayers paid off. In His perfect plan, God placed Duke exactly where she had been praying. A Bible-based, Christian recovery ministry surrounded by men who were in the same place as Duke, trying to rebuild their broken lives. That’s Wayside.

He also put Duke in contact with Cars-of-Hope (COH) Executive Director, Romas Povilonis from Community Christian Church. A little over a year and a half ago, Car’s of Hope began a relationship with Wayside Cross to help with their car detailing needs. The church organization gives away vehicles to people in real need who can demonstrate they are also on a genuine path towards rebuilding their lives.

Duke was a perfect candidate, even though he didn’t know it.

Give, and you shall receive… ~ Luke 6:38

During the last few years, Duke was quietly rebuilding his life at Wayside’s recovery program and training in one of the many areas of the ministry, in this case, auto detailing. In addition to gaining employable work skills, the goal of the work training program at the recovery ministry is to learn: accountability, reliability, how to come under leadership authority, and the value of giving back—all highly sought commodities to potential employers.

Eventually, Duke graduated, found a place of his own and a job working in a meatpacking plant. Today he is excelling at work and living an independent life. Yet he still finds time to give back at Wayside’s auto detailing program. He volunteers whenever he has time to spare.

In God’s perfect timing, having a job, good driving record, and the ability to afford full-coverage auto-insurance just happen to be some of the pre-requisites for receiving a free car from Cars of Hope.

Even though Duke didn’t know it, volunteering was allowing God to make Duke’s light of faith shine forth for others to see. That light eventually captured the attention of the Cars of Hope Executive Director, Romas Povilonis.

The COH Director just happens to bring his cars to Wayside for a complete auto detail just before they are given away to eager and needy recipients.

Just recently, Duke became the proud recipient of a completely rebuilt and refurbished Toyota Camry. It will make his job commute much more easy now.

Wayside is incredibly blessed and honored to have church partners like Community Christian Church and their “cars for the needy” ministry support. To date, COH has provided vehicles to a few of the graduates from our Master’s Touch program for men, and our Lifespring recovery program for single women and women with children.

For many, the road to recovery may seem like a long way off but transformation happens in so many ways at Wayside. Who would have thought restoration for Duke would all begin in the prayers of his 82-year old Grandmother?

But God has a plan and a purpose for us all, even for people like Duke.

“Coming to Wayside’s Master’s Touch Shelter and Recovery Program was an answer to prayer. Not just my prayer but a woman with unshakeable faith, my Grandmother.” 

Help more people like Duke rebuild their lives.

If you enjoyed this story and want to learn about other lives that were changed, click: Stories of Hope & Recovery

If you know someone in need of a safe place to recover and rebuild their lives call Wayside Cross Ministries’ Lifespring Center for Women or Master’s Touch for Men at (630) 892-4239.