Before my stay at the Mt. Zion House my life was a mess. My days were consumed with drugs, alcohol, and pornography until I lost everything. All my money and assets were replaced with a considerable debt. I lost my business my friends were gone and my family was distant to say the least. Well, I knew I had to change but how? I had the information packet the Mt. Zion House provides for several months, but had never given it more than a passing glance until one day I sought it out, looked it over and decided to enter the program. I was extremely nervous upon entering the program, but ended up completing the 5 months and decided to stay longer. In total I stayed 14 months. I learned so many things and acquired so many skills that I can see evidence of it in my everyday life. It provided me structure, discipline and an enormous amount of knowledge for which I'm very grateful. Most of all it provided me the time and the environment to establish a relationship with God that I never experienced before.
Sincerely, In Christ
Marvin Norstrom Jr.
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My name is Joe Christopher Bowers and I hope that God moves the persons who
will read this testimony of the power of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who
has placed me in heavenly places. Romans 7:15 says, I do not understand myself
at all. For I really want to do what is right, but I do not do it. Instead I
do everything I hate. God knew that we could not kick the habit of sin overnight
but he knew that with his help we could make progress everyday.
Only by the grace of God have I been able to embrace the future and let go of
the past. As was Moses, I was lost in the desert for 32 years until God was
ready to move me. That is why I give him all the glory.
When I was about 14 I started drinking not because I had a desire, but to keep
up with the other guys. Drinking evolved into marijuana, which turned into cocaine,
which turned into selling drugs, which turned into pride issues. Then came more
issues, although I was able to maintain my family and job and status quota,
I felt things slipping away. I walked away from a wonderful wife and figured
that I could do life by myself (pride). I thought I did not want to take a chance
on my family failing along with me. Boy, was I right. I fell faster than ever.
I became a user instead of a dealer. I found my life in complete denial of responsibility
and thought that everything was not my fault. But I knew not what I was doing.
You see I knew the Lord from the time I could think we all do to some sense.
I was baptized at age 5, and then again at age 12 I reconfirmed my baptism.
Some strange transition happened from that point. I relied on myself and chose
not to rely on God. I told myself that as soon as I solve all my problems I
would come back to God. Little did I know he had a different plan.
He bought me to my knees and gave me another choice, death or eternal life.
I was sick with cocaine killing every fiber of my life. If I had continued I
would have surely died. I surrendered to eternal life and asked God to take
over my life and as always he accepted. What a loving God, who else would do
that for me.
In 2000 I found the Mt. Zion House in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin through help organizations.
They said that it was not a treatment program but a Christian discipleship program.
I had tried several secular programs none worked because I didn't want them
to. When I reconfirmed my faith at Mt. Zion God began to work in my life. I
was able to develop the most important thing in my life a one on one relationship
with God. I learned how to apply Gods word to everyday life, not just reading
but walking in faith daily with 20 men of different background all trying to
obtain this reward of living for Christ. What a grand acceptance God provides
for his children if you surrender to him.
God gives us plenty of evidence to believe in him. Doubt comes when we fail
to stop long enough to observe all the evidence he gives to us. And when doubt
turns to lack of trust, we are in danger of ignoring God all together.
This program is for every man that wants a relationship with God, and the knowledge
to live as Christ. The obedience to follow Gods word by faith and the acceptance
of authority at all cost knowing that God will carry you through. You will receive
all that he has promised in abundance if you surrender to him.
God is looking for a few good men to follow as Christ did. You said you want
to be free, and live life without drugs and alcohol and uncontrollable sin.
Then take the first step by asking God for help. For only he can provide what
you are looking for, make that commitment.
Psalm 138:8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life. Plans that
God makes in our lives will be fulfilled.
May God Bless
Joe C. Bowers
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My name is John and I would like to share some of my life experiences prior to coming into the Mt. Zion House Discipleship Program and how God has worked in my life through not only the Mt. Zion House but also its staff, teachers, graduates of the program, the men in the program, pastors and members of Mt. Zion Church, what they all have done for me and how it has changed my life. From what it was which I would call the "depths of destruction" to what I see it becoming a sober healthy, promised filled, rewarding lifestyle that I am enjoying now. My search started back in 1993 when after years of alcoholism and drug abuse (and its misery that went along with it) had started to take its toll. At the age of 30 I found myself drinking, using and going through life just "getting by". Now divorced 2 years and in a relationship with soon to be 2nd wife, still drinking, decided, encouraged by others to start one wild and chaotic roller coaster ride of confusion. I checked myself into my first one of eight overall treatment center programs. Not to forget to mention 16 hospitalizations for detox also numerous detox on my own. In which I found myself hospitalized for grand-mal seizures 3 times due to withdrawals from alcohol. One hospitalization towards the end lasted 12 days in which my life was threatened with complications due to liver malfunction. At that time there wasn't much hope for recovery. But when I was released doctors had told me my life with major restrictions would be different. But I still didn't listen. One treatment center (3 months) and 2 detox later I found myself out of work, 3 DUI's caught up to me, no license, physically, emotionally, financially, and the most important (if that wasn't enough) spiritually bankrupt. Dead out of gas out of everything even hope. I had lost it all. I tried on my own one last time but that didn't work. So now by the grace of God through family, friends and even strangers I was given another chance. I was in need and needed Gods help and I was directed to Mt. Zion House where Gods word is spoken, taught, and shared and was shown to me how God is able to restore what we destroy, lives, relationships, jobs. The truth was brought back into my life and with God at my side I was set free from my addictions. I graduated Mt. Zion House in 2002. Now I live a life I am grateful for. A life that is encouraging, supportive, trusted, protective and emotionally strong. A life I can say is free from alcohol, drugs, free from anxiety, fear, healthy and accepted in God's eyes. God with the good works of Mt. Zion House and all involved has blessed me with my new life.
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My name is Jim. I am currently 44 years old. I started smoking pot at the age of 14 by 15 I was dealing pot and pills. At age 18 I discovered cocaine and alcohol. I had no regard for authority as my driving record would show. I had several DUI's and other run ins with the law and spent time on and off in jail. By age 22 or so (kind of a foggy time) I was drinking and doing drugs very heavily everyday. I didn't see a problem with it but my family did. At age 29, 1989, my family asked me to go to treatment. Against my will I went to Hazelden in Center City, MN. I faked my way through and opted out of extended care. I never intended to quit smoking pot while there. Within two weeks of getting out I was back drinking. I didn't return to the cocaine, but I was drinking heavier. I had more trouble with the law, this time probation. Not wanting to fail the pee test I quit pot in 1992. Alcohol was still controlling my life and my Dad did an intervention. Back to Hazelden I go, kicking, screaming and mad. Rebellion and treatment centers don't work together and again I opted out on extended care. Back home again within one week I was drinking heavily. I landed in the hospital once, this is when I asked my Dad for help. Being the wonderful loving man he is, believing in me and wanting to save my life (again) I went back to Hazelden, Upon sobering up I had to do some serious soul searching. I asked myself; what makes you think this time is going to be any different? I had to be honest with myself and realize you can't keep doing things the same way and expect different results. After 10 days into my 3rd trip to Hazelden I decided, sometimes you need to do what you need to do whether you want to do it or not. Having been introduced to Mt. Zion House previously but choosing not to go because of the strict rules in May of 1998 I went to Mt. Zion House. It was a gift from God I will not take for granted. Through Gods faithfulness and my faith in Jesus Christ I will never be the same again. I was delivered from the clutch's of alcohol where it no longer was a daily struggle for sobriety. I was set free. After 5 1/2 months I graduated. It seemed like the world had gotten so much worse since I entered the program but it really hadn't changed much I just looked at it in a different light. I will admit it was not easy I did have struggles. Pastor John asked me to return so I did agree to another 2 months. Nearing the end of the 2 months Pastor John asked me for a 6 month commitment as an assistant. I did not want to do it, but God started to chastise me. So I said "whatever you ask God I will do it". This is when my life really began to change. I was blessed with a great job and boss and God surrounded me with Christian men to keep me accountable and help me grow. I stayed for 7 months and when I did go home I stayed on as an assistant for 2 more years. Having never been married before God blessed me with a wonderful wife. Trials have come my way but through the strength of Jesus I have remained faithful. I still attend Mt. Zion, come and visit and I'll tell you the rest of the story.
God Bless, Jim
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" To Wave My Flag "
It wasn't very long ago I was engulfed with doubt and fear. The Lord closed
a door on my journey, Then opened a window here.
I had relied on my own understanding too long I had lost the strength to stand; Failing to see a bigger picture The only set of footprints in the sand.
Compared to damaged safety glass My entire structure was askew God allowed me to get whaled upon -Before finally breaking through.
I felt like Job among his ashes Though I was more deserving of the wrath The superhighway I thought I sailed on Had become a deserted path.
I was hurt, destroyed and despondent Loss was all that I could see. Consumed with emptiness and sorrow Then He brought me to my knees.
So I waited in isolation and ruin Desperate for answers to be fed all at once my redeemer spoke, This is what He said:
"Why do you continue on like this? I know your mind, your thoughts, and heart. My plan for you is fail proof I intended this from the start
You've acknowledged me, and I am glad, But in your race you sure do lag I've waited for complete surrender from you - To humbly raise your flag.
You insist on going in circles So I let you have your way don't you see there is no future In these selfish games you play?
Now, I've completely shattered you on purpose On your own you're beyond repair Let these shards of glass be examples I have been far beyond fair.
It is time to go to a house My shepherds await for you with love, But it's time to hunker down my push has come to shove.
You'll now undergo a plethora of discipline wisdom will be taught from my Book. New rules and laws you must apply you're not allowed a second look.
I've placed people there to teach you - How to be a tender warrior and break free I'll guide you in sermons preached And you'll sing praises gladfully.
I'll open up your eyes so clear The past you sure must rid Slowly you'll learn to face your giants, Just as David did.
You'll learn to finally forgive yourself for when you don't you insult my son It's as if you spit in his face, When you forget what he had done.
Like an iron sword you will be sharpened by men with similar lives But be assured, you will be tested It's not all "hey buddy" and "high fives".
The church ministry will accept you, And treat you as their own even when you sing too loudly out of key and wear too much cheap cologne.
You'll learn to live without some things but I'll provide you with all you need Even when there is no milk when it's time to feed.
You'll be expected to praise and read my word, First thing when you wake up This is my command, and by the way; There will be no Folgers in your cup.
Come to me always in thought and prayer Take the spiritual fruit from my tree your anxiety and fear will subside; Only when you give them to me.
You have a ways to go, my friend continue to run the race My Glory will shine right through these doors My gift to you is this place.
Words cannot justify or explain, when he spoke to me that day all I could do was obey and trust and continue on as I pray.
Ever since the Lord has been my rock in Mt. Zion
He being the Chief Cornerstone set to last
My blessing is the submission of my surrendering flag -
Today it is waving at full mast.
Jeremy D. Dees