“2015 K2 catastrophe” Recovery and Redemption: how we’ve moved forward with the help of God.

Redeemed from the scourge of K2

From the Catastrophe of 2015

came strength, and new life

If you've followed us for a bit, you know that 2015 was a difficult year. A drug commonly called K2 invaded the Drag and caused havoc, so much so that I call that period “the 2015 K2 Catastrophe.”

The drug was cheap and easy to obtain. When it was made illegal in September 2015, it moved from convenience stores to being sold by groups of violent locals, and the consequences were plain to see: 15 to 20 bodies strewn around the Drag at any moment, as users passed out from smoking toxic levels of K2. Five or six ambulance calls a day, as users had seizures caused by the drug's pervasive and dangerous impurities. Several police calls a day, as users came down -- often violently -- from the drug’s effects. Countless counseling sessions daily to get them to realize how all of this was destroying the street community they loved so much. Many days, all seemed hopeless. Yet the storm passed. Now we encounter clients who survived the Catastrophe.

Jackson was one. After lots of encouraging mini-counseling sessions on the street, he made the decision to sober up, got a job at a Subway shop and went to work every day, even though he and his wife slept nightly on the streets. He found ways to shower, stay clean and get to work on time. Eventually, he saved enough to afford an apartment, and he found people willing to help him with deposits and startup costs. And this: Throughout the Catastrophe, Jackson's faith grew. Today, he is a God-fearing, Jesus-loving man who sees God working all around him. From the Catastrophe came great strength!

Amy was another. She enjoyed the freedom of street life and resisted our encouragement to consider longer-term goals. But pregnant and addicted, she sought help at a local rehab program. She then managed something I've never seen a street youth do – she convinced them to offer her housing in a sober facility until her baby arrived. She is now sober, housed, a fantastic mom, and get this: She has enrolled in a child care program with the Texas Workforce Commission. She is currently seeking a job. She attends worship with her sponsor every week. "I'm a Pentecostal,” she told me, “but I go with my Lutheran friend and we somehow make it work." Amy is grateful for all the help God has sent her way. From the storm came new life!

We are grateful that the K2 Catastrophe of 2015 has passed. We are glad that the street community now sees K2 for what it is -- a community-destroying drug. Yes, some people are still addicted, and we work to help them, but the scales have fallen from their eyes. Yes, the community is damaged still, but we work to help it heal and see more lives restored.

During the Catastrophe, the West Campus neighborhood reached its limit of tolerance and compassion. We are also working to help local property owners, businesses, students and UT parents to trust again. Healing for all will be a long road, but we are delighted to see many beginning the process. We know God will lead many others down the road of healing and restoration. Thank you so much for your continued faith, prayers, and trust in this important work.

The opportunities we offer street youth -- to wash clothes, eat a sandwich, get an ID, study the Bible, find a shirt that fits, provide bug repellent -- help us make inroads into their lives. Positive results often follow! Volunteers who give of their time and in-kind donations play important roles. For more information on participating with SYM, click on the link below:

volunteer.StreetYouthMinistry.org

Recovery and Integration

During recovery counseling, we often encourage clients to separate the bad things they do from themselves. We talk of "the addiction" or "the urge to steal" or whatever it is. And as the client regains balance, "the addiction" loses power and shrinks. And at some point, we encourage integration once again, the recognition that "the addiction" is within them and part of them. Eventually they can use that knowledge to be stronger and to be just exactly who they are.

This poem was written by a client in recovery with 12 steps, who was recently baptized, and who attends church and small groups regularly. This poem is about his "shadow self"--a dark part of himself that has driven the self-destructive behavior in his live for many years. He writes about what the shadow-self wants in order to gain power over if and to be free from it. While it's dark, look at the consequences of knowing this! With knowledge and submission and humility, this client is free from sin and free to follow Christ! 

As you read this dark poem, remember that is is written in first person from the perspective of the thing within that wants to harm. The words of "the shadow" are full of desperate lies, hoping to gain control of what is not rightfully his. This client is free! And he knows the words are untrue! May it be so for all who seek recovery.

Shadow Mission

The thief in the night that stole my life

in an enemy's grip that chokes the light.

Bending the soul, he buried the knife.

The blackness came in a bloody fight.

He said, "Here are the tools. Take what you want

from family and friends. Then you can flaunt

an arrogance that will make them blush,

while they speak of you in a quiet hush.

You don't need them. You just need me.

No need to love touch and see.

How quickly and quietly their hearts will flee.

No need for salvation, a lord and savior.

You can run around in bad behavior.

The illusion of freedom I give to you

until I take everything, even your shoes.

Walk around the world your head stuck in glue.

Reach out for anyone, and no one is there.

The embrace of your loved ones becomes a blank stare.

Your hands always dirty with knots in your hair.

You've given up everything, the ability to care.

A cage in a cage with a side order of chains.

You hold me, your enemy, as I blow out your brains.

No keys can free you, I made you a slave.

Your only serenity becomes an unmarked grave.

You live as a coward, and envy the brave.

Your mine for eternity , unable to save.

Join us at SYM.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
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I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online

Advice to a Client Fighting With Relapse

I am contacted by clients who are recovering but fighting with urges to relapse from time to time. They come to me wanting a Christian viewpoint. Here are some of the things I give them to meditate, think and pray over. We'd love to know what you think or would add...

There is no sin in considering a relapse. Only the doing would be a sin.

Christian sobriety occurs by being weak in yourself, humbling and submitting yourself to God, and allowing Jesus or the Holy Spirit to be strong in you. Strength comes from allowing yourself to be weak and leaning on Him.

Jesus has already done everything it takes for you to be forgiven, fully healed, and make you into more than you could ever imagine. You have to accept that GIFT from Jesus and allow it to happen. It won't happen over night. And it's not without struggle (for anyone). And it's not always "up" and "happy." But the life God has planned for your, dreams for you, wants for you, is better than any drug or high or drunk you could ever attain.

Jesus is with you. So if you were to relapse, he's right there with you. Don't try to hide or shrink away. Sometimes knowing that is enough to stop people. He can be the ultimate accountability buddy.

Staying sober is for you. It's a choice you have to make. But relapsing hurts more than just you. And staying sober will benefit more than just you. Following God's plan for your life will allow you to be a blessing for many, many people in future situations you can barely imagine. So don't forget those reasons outside of yourself not to mess that up. It's for you and for all of them, too.

Stay sober for you. You're a beautiful and wonderful person, created in God's image and for many great purposes. The devil tells you many lies about drugs and highs and drunks. They are just that... lies.

There are many ways to become involved with SYM.  

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve   What We Do   Get Involved  Support Us   News  Publications  Ministry Needs   Speaking   Service Projects   Sign-up
Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

Follow SYM:            

New Beginnings

The first time I saw him, I was afraid. He had wild hair, talked to himself in an animated way, and didn't make eye contact. It took me repeated times to work up the courage to speak with him. But it was the beginning of something surprising.

Nick had come from Dallas and was living on the streets. He didn't have any ID because he had left it at his previous place of residence. He kept his money in his shoes. We served him a street lunch every Friday for weeks. Unfortunately, Nick began to change. He got wilder and began using drugs. His hair grew into artful dreads, with a few ornaments inserted. On several occasions, we found him passed out or overdosed, and he went to jail many times as well.

But recently I found myself sitting in prayer time, and Nick was the only participant. I figured God had cleared our everyone else for a reason, so I kept asking questions. Soon, Nick was telling me his whole story. It started out typical for a large segment of my clients: he lived at home with his mom. After puberty, his mind began to betray him. He suffered from delusions and visions. As a 17 year old, he felt that the medications he took almost destroyed his personality, and so he stopped taking them. He learned that heroin somehow helped his mind become calmer. To mediate the heroin, he began to use cocaine. These things led to his leaving home, living with a girlfriend, various drug addictions, criminal offenses, and eventually going to prison.

In prison, Nick joined a brotherhood and learned Islam. As a young man, mostly without medication, and mostly without drugs, he survived seven years in prison. Upon his release, he lived in a halfway house in Dallas. Without help with his transition, Nick found that he couldn't live by the rules and left one night. That's when I met Nick in the streets of Austin.

During prayer time, Nick expressed a desire to get his life together. After hearing his whole story, I realized this would be a completely new life for him. And so, we made a plan. First step was to review his taking his medication again. Nick--typical of many of my clients as they reach brain maturity at 25--was willing to reconsider medication. He knew how to get them from MHMR. The next step was getting his disability benefits started. We agreed that, for now, Nick was in no shape to work because of his mental challenges and lack of soft skills. We hoped that eventually he will go back to work, but for now, God might provide for him through disability benefits. Nick wants a place to live, where he can do his art and music. And so again, we developed a plan. I left Nick to take the first steps, and I got his permission to follow-up regularly to see if he's doing it.

After that, I asked Nick about his Muslim beliefs. It turns out that Nick believes in Jesus today. I explained the Gospel and asked if he understood it; he did. Then, we prayed that God would reveal himself more fully and that Nick would begin trying to live a new and grateful life as a Christian.

Since our conversation, I have seen Nick many times. He has obtained medication. He has applied for disability. He is exercising great restrain to stay away from damaging drugs and activities. And he is trying to walk closer with Jesus. According to Nick, it's difficult. He told me the other day, "I need to take a vacation. This is hard." And I understood him. Rebirth is not easy. Renewal is not usually immediate or occurs overnight. It requires patience, strength, endurance, and strong faith. I don't know what the future holds for Nick, but I am so privileged to walk alongside him.

It’s a time for rebirth and renewal. I pray you see it in nature. I pray you see it in your faith, community, and even in your family. Furthermore, I pray you sense renewal in your personal life.

It's a privilege for me to be your representative in this work! And, together on a daily basis, we can encourage people who are often ignored, invisible, and unwelcomed. Thank you for your support.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
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Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

Follow SYM:            

Mercy Flowing from SYM Volunteers

Street Youth Ministry (SYM) needs more help. We build up our volunteer teams by asking people to learn about us, to pray for us, and to get involved. This starts by going to sign up and joining our newsletters.

 

Once a quarter we send out a story of ministry. In a year or two, you will see all aspects of our ministry--faith issues and renewal, drug counseling, education, emotional healing, simple compassion and more. 

 

Once a month we send out a prayer letter. We ask that our prayer team choose one item to focus on that month in prayer for us. This letter gives you a great overview of the issues our clients face: poverty, insobriety, anger at God, and distrust of Christian churches. In addition, once a month, we email a prayer request that come from a clients that same day. It's been nothing short of miraculous how God responds when our clients and our prayer team members pray together for God's help.

 

Finally, we ask volunteers to prepare food and come sit with us for our weekly events. We always need sandwiches, breakfast casseroles and breakfast tacos for our freezer. Instructions for how to make them can be found in our new volunteer notebook at SYM Volunteers. Does it really matter? Here's a story to inspire and challenge:

 

Corey's mom called us Thursday morning. We had confirmed that her son, our client for more than a year, had died the previous Sunday in New Orleans. We had supplied him with prayer, sandwiches, and dog supplies when he passed through Austin, including ministering to him just a few weeks ago. Corey was a very smart and sweet kid. We never really knew why he was on the street, but we did encourage him to expect more for himself and to stay safe. He readily accepted sandwiches from us, lovingly made by volunteer's. We gave his dog, Gonzo--his best friend in life--dog food and even a saddlebag backpack for him to carry his own supplies while they walked, hitch-hiked and "hopped trains" together. And we offered Corey brief drug counseling on the street as well as took his prayer requests for friends, family and self.

 

We still lost Corey to a drug overdose in New Orleans, part of the revelry of Mardis Gras. But through the ministry that our volunteers support we were able to know, love and serve Corey. And when the time came, we were able to reach out to his mother, brother and sister. We could share that Corey was sweet and not overtaken by drug addiction. We could share that his morals were intact, and he didn't habitually lie, cheat or steal. We could share that he was still charming and intelligent.

 

Praise God, we don't always lose clients! We have many who are no longer on the street, working at jobs, living indoors, going to college, and even being great parents. Our volunteers matter in helping to support all these great things that our clients accomplish for themselves. But our volunteers also help make possible the simple mercy of knowing a mother's son and of being able to comfort his family at a terrible time.

 

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
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Become a fan on Facebook!
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Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

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Unexpected Mercies

We keep records as a ministry. It's been a growing burden as we serve more clients more frequently and more volunteers help out. We are dedicated to being a "Class A" organization and I think that means we keep count, records, and monitor ourselves closely. Every month we know our finances, our reach to supporters, prayer team members, newsletter readers and followers. And we know how many and what types of contacts we had with clients. We don't serialize or violate our clients privacy with our records. We simply record them in a prayer book. If they share a name or a birthday, we record that. If they tell us how we can be praying for them, we write that down. We share the requests with our prayer team later the same day.

 

Recently, a client passed away. The client has mentioned his real name in a conversation with us... something that shows that he trusted us. And we had written down the name of his dog. These things allowed us to search the Internet for his obituary after we got wind that he might have passed away through the grapevine of clients. We searched diligently and daily, hoping and praying that we would not find confirmation, but we did, three days after his death.

 

From there we were able to find the funeral home. We placed a carefully worded sympathy note for the parents and family on-line. We don't know what they know or don't. Sometimes grieving parents want nothing to do with their child's street life. We express sympathy, mention that we served their child, give a way to contact us, and wait. Frequently they call.

 

In this case, the mom called the very next morning. She wanted to know more about her son's recent travels. She didn't understand her son's decision to start traveling after three years of college but she knew. She didn't like his drinking and more recent experimentation with drugs, but she knew. She knew what drug addiction can do to people, so she simply wanted to know what her son was really like on the street.

 

We were so delighted to tell her that her son was sweet, respectful and kind. Addicts can lose everything as the drug takes over, but her son wasn't like that. He was the only kid to thank a donor at the Christmas party. He didn't steal. He didn't lie. His charm and intelligence was evident in his interactions with people.

 

The names of our clients fill 13 little books so far. But worn little books allowed us to share with this mother a little picture of the the son she lost. It comforted her. And it will help comfort his younger brother and sister and entire family. We found the day we met her son. We found the day we last met him in the pages. We found a time we were able to give his dog a saddlebag pack. We found a record of how he interacted with us over more than 15 months whenever he was in Austin.

 

We will miss this client. We grieve alongside the family. And we are grateful to be in ministry to all street-dependent young people who pass through Austin. And we will continue keeping records and praying with our clients. Unexpected mercies flow from the pages of our little prayer books that we would never have expected. They are worth it. Our clients are worth it. God is entirely worthy of it all.

 

Support our work.

 

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve   What We Do   Get Involved  Support Us   News  Publications  Ministry Needs   Speaking   Service Projects   Sign-up

Become a fan on Facebook!
Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

Follow SYM: