Over 15 million adults in the United State struggle with Alcohol. Sadly, nearly 25% of all Native Americans report using alcohol excessively, and 10.7% develop alcohol disorders. True recovery and life-change take more than 30 days. Wayside Cross Ministries’ Master’s Touch transitional housing and recovery program and support systems allow individuals the time and space to rebuild their lives on the solid foundation of Christ. And it’s free.

Author Donna Mathewson,
Edited by Tom Davidson

For most of us, waiting on the Lord is an exercise in faith and trust.  Far too often, we Christians seek immediate results in our prayer life and become frustrated when those answers seem out of reach. Other times, breakthroughs come quickly or unexpectedly.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 

~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

If we’re honest, we all like to do things our own way. But in ministry and in life, the discipline of waiting on the Lord is just as valuable and just as true as it was for our heroes in faith. Did you know it’s also a crucial prerequisite in the recovery process? To illustrate this point, we want to share a story of a recent Master’s Touch graduate who experienced one such breakthrough in faith.

…but Nitti’s story began on a trail of tears.

When Nitti Brockman was five, his twin brother was killed by a drunk driver.  He grew up on a Native American reservation, where alcoholism was prevalent. His grandparents, aunts, and uncles were all alcoholics.

“God has said, “I will never fail you; I will never abandon you.”
~ Hebrews 13:5

After several family moves, Nitti joined the Air Force, becoming a pilot and an officer. It was while in the military that Nitti began drinking. At that time everyone drank, and joining in was a way of belonging. These new friends became his family, and families do everything together. But peer pressure and his bad choices led him down a terrible path.

Drinking affected his marriage and a relationship with his daughter. Before long his life was spiraling out of control. Finally, a few wrong choices and a desperate night of drinking sent him to prison. He reflects:

“I really needed to make a commitment to myself and to God.”

“That trip to the Danville Correctional Center gave me the time I needed to reflect on life and the poor choices I made. One particular night I began to seek Christ out in desperation. Confronted by the brokenness of my life, I needed direction. God would eventually provide those answers.”  

But how do you know God is Answering?

I always knew God answers in prayer and in Scripture, but occasionally, these answers can come from a strong Christian brother too.  I remember one day getting a phone call from Charlie Duncan, the resident coordinator of the Master’s Touch program at Wayside Cross. I think it was that Scottish accent and his kind voice that got to me. Charlie told me that there was a place for me at Wayside. I asked Charlie if I could have a guitar there.

Charlie assured me that they would love for me to have a guitar and invited me to play in their chapel services. I remember asking if I would be able to paint there too, and Charlie said, “Of course you can paint here!” He just charmed me with his kindness. And so, Charlie and I are really good friends today…Wherever I go, wherever I speak, I tell a story about Charlie. It was Charlie who convinced me to come here…and I haven’t regretted it

Charlie assured me that they would love for me to have a guitar and invited me to play in their chapel services. I remember asking if I would be able to paint there too, and Charlie said, “Of course you can paint here!” He just charmed me with his kindness. And so, Charlie and I are really good friends today…Wherever I go, wherever I speak, I tell a story about Charlie. It was Charlie who convinced me to come here…and I haven’t regretted it

When I first arrived, there was lots to do. The Master’s Touch recovery program is based on a deeper study of Scripture, and breaking down the broken pieces of life.  In God’s Word we discover that those who come to Him are not perfect. Our past life experiences and the poor choices and mistakes, we can lay them down at His feet and begin life anew.  That helped me.

Getting Grounded.

My mentor, a new church family, and a life built on the solid foundation of Christ were all possible here. Everyone here has experienced brokenness but we are all heading in the same direction. 

There are classes to better yourself where guys are even earning their GED’s. Some even go on to college too. But all geared to starting over and starting better, and getting back to work because we all have something to give.

The Power of Prayer.

Today, Nitti is a resident graduate of Wayside Cross Master’s Touch recovery program and owner of his own Art Studio. He was recently commissioned for a building mural as part of the city’s beautification block grant. That can’t happen without people like you.

That’s the power of Faith, Friendship, and an Unshakable Trust in God’s plan.

In our daily walk, God doesn’t always answer in a timely fashion. But prayer is a useful tool God uses to prepare our hearts and seek Him out. It provides us an opportunity to develop a relationship with and dependency on Him over all things. God also gives us His Holy Word. From cover to cover His Living Word provides a recipe for building a right relationship with the Maker of the Universe.

Ever faithful, in time, God provides answers, and if you let Him, a plan and purpose for your entire life.  So, in reality, prayer is not about convincing God of anything, but about building character and the certainty that He is good and perfect in all things and in all seasons. Trusting He has the best of intentions, and in His perfect timing, in order for us to build confidence in our relationship with Him.

At Wayside, Your Prayers Make All the Difference.

Thank you for being a faithful and prayerful steward of the gifts He has given you and the way He has led you to serve our people in need in and through this ministry.

Did you know: Over the next 3 months, our ministry will provide 50,877 meals throughout our six ministry divisions and support programs. Lives are changing in our Bible-based, Christ-centered ministry. Here people have the opportunity to overcome addiction, abuse, or a broken past.  Together you are helping make this a season of transformation for so many. 

Thank you for your prayers and continued friendship in Jesus’ name.

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