Newsletter 
February 2017
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." 
Romans 12:9

Beneficiary  of the Month
Brandon H.

     Alcohol and the need to obtain it consumed my life. It left me homeless for 3 years and eventually ended up going to prison for 2 years. While in prison I finally gave my life and heart to God. When I got out I thought I could drink responsibly and without any repercussions, but I could not have been more wrong. Again I started to spiral out of control, worse than before, and ended up back on the streets. 

     I realized that I needed a lot of work emotionally, mentally and spiritually to handling life on life's terms. I came to The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), and made the decision to stay to help strengthen these areas. The ARC provides a safe sober environment, where I have worked my way up to the 1st cook's position. I have enjoyed cooking since I was 18, so this was a great place to spend my work therapy. It is very enlightening to be able to socialize and face life's ups and downs without the need of a drinking. 

     I still struggle with wanting to rush the process of recovery, but when I graduate the program, I hope to continue improving my relationships with God and family. I also hope to keep the friendships I have made here at the ARC to help me stay on track. Someday soon, I plan to start my own small business making and selling items at the festivals here in Grand Rapids like Art Prize


The Court Room

     You have a problem and you have ended up in trouble with the law for what you have done. Your nerves are on end and you have no idea what or where your life is going from here. You have been trying to better yourself by going to meetings,   seeking professional help, and talking with true friends to keep you on track. Still you don't know how thing are going to work out.

     The time has come to go in front of the judge to find out what is going to happen. You meet with your attorney ahead of time and you state what you have been doing to better your situation, but you know that you are guilty and deserve punishment. Your attorney goes over what can happen... 10 years prison... probation... and the list builds. The reality sets in that this is real and you feel like a screw up for what has happen. How will this affect your life plans? How will this influence your future? Your anxiety starts to rise.

     You are now in the court room and the attorney says he will be right back. You are watching the clock as the minutes pass by. You feel all alone, wondering what is taking so long. Finally, your attorney returns and there is no judge entering with him. What is going on? The attorney then smiles and says, "The judge has agreed to give you some time to get your problem under control. Let's meet in a few months and check on your progress. If you have shown improvement, all charges will be dropped." You can't believe what you have just heard and also relieved at the same time. You realize that you have been given a reprieve and it all up to you. It's your choice to continue bettering yourself, or fall back into trouble.

      This is the same way Jesus intercedes for us. He is our attorney going to the judge and pleading our case. Then returns to say all charges have been dropped because you have been faithful to the task given to you. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9



Punch Card and More Discounts

Upcoming Event Dates  (details to follow)
End of Winter Sale - February 25, 2017


(616)452-3133

Majors Roger and Cecilia Senn, Administrators