Loss in Our Community
In one day, everything can change. June 7th started off as an ordinary day. Sundays are usually very long days for me. Prior to COVID-19, I would wake up at 5am to get to my church, Calvary Chapel of Delaware County, early to help set up. I would typically be there until 2pm, when I would rush home to squeeze in a nap before I hosted Sunday night church in Chester.
However COVID-19 has changed many things- one of which is our schedule. Instead of our usual Saturday night, our neighbors were hanging out in our backyard until 11pm, just talking, grilling and chilling! I wasn't prepared for Sunday morning. I received the text no one wants to hear: “Anthony passed away”.
Anthony was an important part of my world. He first pulled me aside after church in the fall of 2019. Anthony heard about my radical transformation through Jesus Christ and wanted the freedom that I shared about. He told me his story of battling addiction over the years: the rehabs, the poor choices, the cycle. I saw a broken man that just needed to be loved.
I officially became his Pastor and mentor when we started meeting weekly and talking a few days a week. I suggest that he go through Cityteam in Chester to redevelop the base foundation in Christ and recovery methods. He wasn't as enthusiastic about it as I had hoped. I asked him: “How has life been working out so far?” Anthony replied, “Not so well.” I asked him if he thought he should still be making his own decisions, since his own decisions got him into this mess.
See, those of us in recovery need it to sit under a good guide, who will love us and teach us, walking with us into freedom. This is what Jesus does.
Anthony called me later and said he was willing to give a long term program a try. He reached out to Cityteam and was accepted. We spoke a few times a week. Anthony even started coming to our Church service on Sunday nights. Month by month, I witnessed him growing stronger in Christ. He was so excited for exploring and growing in his recovery. When COVID-19 hit our community, everything changed.
Anthony eventually gave into the pressure of using drugs and left the program. Despite this, he immediately moved into a local recovery house. We were able to continue to connect and he even joined one of our discipleship groups.
We really considered Anthony to be family. He called me the Friday night before he passed to share that he was struggling. We invited over as a safe space and to hangout, but he never showed up.
Me and the Greenhouse Project community are completely heart broken. This is the reason why we launched PROJECT RECOVER; we aim to help those struggling and point them to freedom. In one day, everything can change. June 7th started off as an ordinary day. I know for sure that John 3:16 is real and I truly believe that Anthony is present with the Lord, because Salvation is completely dependent upon Jesus Christ.
Our heart goes out to Anthony’s family and the loved ones left behind. I’m so sorry for your loss. Anthony’s memory will not be lost with our mission. We have been praying for how to use Anthony’s story to help the next person struggling become set free!
We need your help in sharing our information with those in addiction. Since December 2019, we have helped over 34 people. That's over 110 hours of free counseling and support! If you know someone who is struggling with addiction themselves or their loved ones, we are able to help. Please copy and send this information: Call 610.874.2753, email info@ghproject.org, or CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
We hope to help a broken world and restore families. Your prayers, your voice, and your donations help us continue our mission. Please pray for Anthony's family. Thank you so much; God bless you.
