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There are many kinds of prisons. Some have bars. Some are made from our addictions. Alma Andrews is a deaf woman from Pasadena who has known both. She has found her freedom and is now ministering to others. She shares her story.

When one lives in darkness, there is a feeling of isolation and despair. This is how I felt when I used drugs. In many societies, there are problems with drugs and alcohol. This was no different in Deaf culture, where I live. I experienced the dark side of life. 

During desperate and difficult times, I turned to drugs instead of reaching up to God. Many believe that addiction and alcoholism will lead to prison or death. For me, it was prison. After my last arrest I was more determined than ever to get clean. My children were being affected because of my addiction.

After several attempts at treatment for hearing people, I found a treatment program in Baltimore that provided treatment for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people.

Once I began counseling, I started to see more clearly how it was imperative that I stay clean. Coming from a Deaf Christian family, I felt the only way I could remain clean was to allow God to transform me. A Deaf church located near my home allowed me to find our pardoning God.

The congregation and the minister welcomed me. A few people knew of my struggle with drugs; however, instead of judging me, they loved me and showed me the kind of grace that Christ shows us. Slowly, I began to see my life change for the better.

Where once I was the one being ministered to, I am now ministering to others. Having Christ in my life influenced me in many ways. My church has included me in leadership positions, and has given me a second chance at living a life worthy of God.

The General Board of Global Ministries also showed me the grace that my local church did by providing me the means to attend the Chemical Dependency Summer School program in Oklahoma City. The two-week intense summer school program provided me with the tools and resources that I can take back to my own community so I can minister to others who struggle with addiction.

GBGM has blessed me by providing the interpreters and funding for this training. I look forward to ministering to those in the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community where I live, showing others the grace that was shown to me.