Thank you Impact Community Church and Mike Lowery, my journey has always been introspective . God has made an IMPACT on my life!  I have many times in the past had asked myself  “What Happened to My Dream”, and now I am pursuing that Dream.  I encourage all persons to draw near to God, and he will draw near to you!   Hope to see you at IMPACT.      Paul Little

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

Adopted at six weeks old, teased as a child because of his physical looks, then as an adult using drugs and alcohol for comfort, turned Rob into his own worst enemy. His path of destruction took him from top of world where he had everything to living under a bridge.

Rae was mesmerized by Rob. Having been raised in a Christian home and actively involved in a youth group at church, how in the world did these two seemingly different individuals become “soul” mates.

Rob and Rae’s life together ran a gauntlet of hardships, sorrows, and pure survival. Rob’s paycheck went solely for his addictions, and when that ran out he stole from his wife and children. He did whatever it took to keep up his addictions. Rae found herself moving away from the church because of shame, living in fear of physical abuse, and begging God to let her husband die in order to rid her of the pain.

How could God possibly have a purpose in any of this? A question Rae asked herself every moment of every day.

The tears of our biggest hurts can be transformed into the most amazing opportunities for ministry. Today Rob preaches in prisons and detoxifications centers. As a couple, Rob and Rae share their testimony at Celebrate Recovery programs all over the Carolinas. They’ve been there and because they’ve been there they can be a point of light that helps another find their way to God.

As a jailer once told Rob, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift. God named it the Present.” Rob and Rae are sharing their present with you—God’s love.

Somehow we get confused into thinking that we have to earn God’s love. Jan was one of those who believed that notion.

From early childhood she attended church, but it wasn’t until she was in her twenties that she accepted Christ. She was attending a small Methodist church at the time and was befriend by the pastor and his wife. Jan noticed something different about them. They had this peace and she wanted the same for herself. So she threw herself into finding it.

Jan was actively involved in church, attending healings, prayer meetings, Bible studies, Christian workshops and conferences. Her most intimate times with God were when she prayed. This was a special time between God and Jan.

As it does, life evolves and years later Jan is married with children and finds herself dealing with the knit and grind of responsibilities. Nursing school, family and marriage difficulties, and three small children didn’t leave much time anymore for the intimacy she once had with God.

Because of guilt Jan gave herself an “F” for failure. She allowed it to drive a wedge in her relationship with God. She had difficulty accepting the truth that God had given her an “F” for forgiveness. She need not try to earn it. God gives it freely and lovingly.

Looking back, Jan sees that while life’s difficulties can shock your soul, they can also infuse you with valuable wisdom. When God forgives you, you are forgiven.