My husband and I, and our three children, have been residing at the Mission eight months now. We both are eternally grateful for all the Mission has done for us since we have been here: a roof over our heads, food on the table, medical and dental attention, clothes on our backs, and most importantly, a spiritual ministering to our souls that can be rivaled by none.

Several months ago, I prayed earnestly to God for deliverance from my smoking addiction. I kept praying that my 20 year addiction would end. I was desperate.

Around the beginning of November 2010, they announced that as of Jan. 1, 2011, the Mission was going to be smoke and tobacco free. That meant not only could you not smoke on the property, but you wouldn't even be allowed to have a pack of cigarettes on you.

While many were complaining, I was secretly saying, "Thank you Lord." I will admit though at first I was scared of having to deny my flesh something I had been partaking of for so long.

I bought a box of Nicotine gum, determined to cut back and wean myself off of cigarettes. During November, my flesh craved nicotine worse than ever. I tried to chew the gum, but it made me sick to my stomach.

How was I going to handle it? When people asked me, I'd reply, "I guess I'll have to quit cold turkey."

December 31st rolled around quickly at the Mission, but God's timing is always perfect. At 11 p.m., I smoked my last cigarette, watched some New Year's TV, and went to bed, knowing that morning would come soon and the real battle would begin.

As I opened by eyes, I prayed to God: "Your grace is sufficient for me. Your strength is made perfect in my weakness." I admitted that I couldn't do this without Him, and asked Him to take the cravings away, and to help me through this.

Well, He didn't exactly take the cravings away, but He was there to hold me, and His words encouraged me. I admit that the first several days I wanted to give in and give up. I would go outside and cry out to God, and He promised me I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

At one point I remember asking God why this had to be so hard. Why couldn't I be delivered quickly from the cravings? And I heard God's reply, ever so gently, "Child, if you hadn't disobeyed My will for you in the first place, by putting these harmful chemicals in My temple, you wouldn't have to go through this. But since you disobeyed Me, we must now take the time and clean up you. So bear with it, and it will be over soon."

I felt like a small child getting a scrub down in a bathtub by a parent. But God's hands are so gentle and tender. His promise to me was true. It was over soon enough.

By the end of the day January 9th, I realized I hadn't had a craving all day. I had passed the hardest point. God had pulled me through! I felt like I had a new best friend.

Thank you, Rev. and Mrs. Martin, for thinking of us, your residents, and caring about our health and spiritual future.

--Lorie