DeLena & Randy Koontz

My husband Randy and I ran recovery homes called Oxford houses in Huntington, WV. We worked with men and women who came out of rehabilitation centers and hospitals and had nowhere to go. Many had little or nothing, and they had burnt all of their bridges. They no family or friends they could turn to. So we became their family along with the Lord. It was an honor and a privilege work with these women and men.

I would run errands for them. We helped them look for employment, took them to the store, then took them to their doctor's appointment. I was there to take them to wherever they needed to go. I often checked on the houses to make sure that the houses were cleaned and that the occupants were working their 12 step recovery program. I believe it is my purpose in life to help others and this meets my needs for personal achievement. We all need each other. They need us and we need them.

I love working in recovery homes and working with people in recovery. I love seeing God at work in their lives. They would become more responsible workers in society, attend church, and start putting their lives back together. This would be the beginning of a New Life. A regularly attend "Celebrate Recovery," a support group that meets Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. at New Life Church. In Closing, just remember to believe that God exists, and know that you matter to Him. He has the power to help everyone recover.

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