Women Connect: Transformation — Sara McGee

Ponder

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. —PSALM 139:23–24

To think we can actually implore the Lord God to know our heart! And ask Him to be aware of our anxious thoughts. That in itself seems like a full-time job for the Almighty!

Then we can ask Him to perform 'quality control' on our heart. And He does. Top it off with the promise of being led to eternal life WITH HIM!

My friend, Sara, certainly discovered the reality of this heartfelt Scripture. Here's her story:

Meet

I have the joy of going to the Women's Teen Challenge (Grace Harbor / Watsonville, CA) once a month to speak at chapel. Eight years ago one of the new students entering the program was effervescent Sara.

She was raised in a good family, but following Jesus wasn't a priority. At age 14 Sara began her downward spiral into the broken world of addiction. 30 to 40 friends from her tumultuous teen years have died of drug abuse.

During these extremely difficult years, Sara had two abortions. Her life continued to nosedive. Perhaps the 'straw that broke the camel's back' was a freak accident in which a boulder rolled over and crushed her leg. Hospitalized with a severe break, the pain meds flowed freely.

The combination of prescribed plus street drugs led to a nine-year meth addiction. After 17 years of struggling with drugs, broken relationships, and a wounded heart, Sara found herself at rock bottom.

Arriving at the Women's Teen Challenge, Sara was broken and in dire need of being rescued. And she was! She invited Jesus into her heart and committed herself - with God's help - to the discipline needed to complete the program and graduate.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. But Sara remained faithful to Jesus and to the program. Upon graduation, Sara remained at Teen Challenge as an intern.

Eventually she became the Program Director! And she rocked it!! She helped so many other women as they entered the program. She had been in their shoes. She understood their pain and brokenness. Best of all, she has an infectious, personal relationship with the ONE who heals, forgives and gives hope.

Fast forward. Sara married Cameron McGee, the Assistant Director at the Men's Teen Challenge Center. God has blessed them with two adorable children - Judah (one and a half) and Eden (four months). Sara now serves as a Kids/NextGen Pastor at a Monterey Bay area church.

When asked how our woman connect community could pray for her, Sara requested prayer for chronic facial pain. (So far they've ruled out sinus issues.) Please pray that Jesus will heal her. If you want to get in touch with Sara and cheer her on - her email is:

Saraelaineredeemed@gmail.com

Thank you, Sara, for sharing a glimpse into your life. And for reminding us that there's nothing like a transformed life! We give our loving Father all the glory for saving you. In our dark world…you are such a bright light for Jesus. Love you!!

Thankful

...for a residential, faith-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation program like Teen Challenge.

Since interviewing Sara last week, a dear couple informed Wes and me that their son who battles alcohol addiction had just entered a men's Teen Challenge. Another couple asked us to pray for their grandson as he makes plans to enroll in Teen Challenge this month.

The number of young people and adults held captive by some form of addiction is staggering. Unfortunately, most of us in our woman connect community probably know someone who could greatly benefit from Adult & Teen Challenge.

Please prayerfully consider passing along this Teen Challenge link to someone you love. It could change their life. For today…and eternity.

Heart

Again…nothing like a transformed life, completely devoted to Jesus Christ. If you or someone you know needs Jesus - or a Bible - please let us know.

www.yestoserve.org/committing

Judy Popineau Wick