by Dr. George Kalaras
Pondering back on 2015, all I can think about is how great our God is. Over the last year, my wife Angela and I have seen men and women completely transformed — filled with hope and a passion — who are moving on to help others spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, and growing closer to Christ. I have seen men here at TLC accept their life history and rewire their daily devotion with a renewed perspective, commitment and authentic accountability. I was called to become educated, to understand the biblical teachings and to convey the lessons and message of Christ to others, therefore, I relate to the passion these men have when it is their turn to “give back.”
I proceeded to accomplish my academic goals despite other life obligations (marriage, financial recovery, etc.) and together with Angela we have developed a curriculum to share with those capable of helping. We encountered obstacles, but with every new hurdle we grew closer and closer to Christ with the grit necessary to make a difference in any community we become part of.
I was offered the Executive Director’s position at Transformation Life Center midyear, and Angela assumed the Program Director’s position to oversee this wonderful ministry that saved my life 15 years ago. We truly believe God has been moving and pruning in His perfect timing so that TLC has the best impact for those struggling with addiction … so that these men can have a place to go for healing and restoration and then a solid aftercare to help them transition back into life with complete freedom to fully recover from life controlling issues.
We are very excited to see how God will continue to orchestrate all of this. When it appears that all is impossible, the Lord intervenes and makes it all possible.
Our approach is practical and relational, derived from biblical teachings and a personal history of connecting with others. Moreover, we go beyond just teaching. We choose to squarely confront the ills that afflicted and robbed me of my youth every time there’s a cry for help. Every time we choose to work with people struggling with life controlling issues and every time we form a trusting bond that can re-establish hope for these individuals, Jesus Christ is at the center of it all. I share my story with the world, frequently speaking, writing about, or blogging the lessons of my experiences because the Lord has placed “a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:3)