The ABSOLUTE Life - Summer 2024

Erika, Hector’s wife, and their two sons, Andrew (11) and Jeremiah (13), left after they could no longer tolerate Hector’s addiction and behavior. Two months later, this heartbreaking event prompted Hector to realize it was time to seek help.

He joined Teen Challenge in Southern California. Towards the end of his one-year program, the director encouraged him to reconcile with his family before starting to consider pursuing ministry work. At this critical juncture, Hector heard from an old friend, Michael Bowles, Regional Director of ABSOLUTE Ministries in WA State. “It was like the Lord opened a door for me to be closer to my family and still have accountability,” Hector shared. After praying with Erika, Hector began this new season at ABSOLUTE Ministries on January 3, 2024, and now resides at the Lake Tapps men’s facility.

His new routine is vastly different from his past. He is becoming sustainable. Hector says he starts his day with scripture and prayer before beginning work as a forklift operator at NFI at 7:30 am. “Even on my breaks, I go for a walk and spend time with the Lord,” he shares, feeling he is in a beautiful season of rest. Each night, he eagerly anticipates his phone calls with Erika and their sons, hopeful that this new routine of learning, discipline, and reconciliation will bear fruit in his life (Proverbs 12:1). Thank you for making this story possible.

Brianna Trimble, a hardworking single mom of two, resolved not to let nine years of addiction and prison time hinder her desire for a fresh, clean life. “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” she reflected, understanding that her journey was just beginning. After completing a 13-month Teen Challenge program, Brianna joined ABSOLUTE Ministries on June 2, 2024.

She now lives in the Spanaway Women’s campus with her daughters, Jordin (7) and Pallas (2). She acknowledges the incredible care she is receiving at ABSOLUTE. “I am so happy that I have the support I do because doing this on my own after Teen Challenge would have been nearly impossible. I have a hard time motivating myself, and I’m so grateful that ABSOLUTE helps me do that in a Christ-like manner,” she shared.

Two weeks into her road to recovery, Brianna declared Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior! “I am learning how to live. They say that a lot around here, but it’s true. This place is walking with me, in real life. I would be lost without it. My kids have a future because God is working through this place. I am so thankful they accepted me into the ABSOLUTE Ministries women’s campus.”

It has been over 15 years since ABSOLUTE Ministries was founded in Western Washington, and now, God has opened the door to a new Idaho Campus in Coeur d’Alene. Recognizing the immense need for this “life housing” and strong support for substance addiction in this community, ABSOLUTE Ministries has humbly served more than 40 individuals since opening in 2022.

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The members learn to maintain full-time jobs but also work towards completing their ABSOLUTE Ministries workbooks. We address every facet of life. This includes discovering their natural talents and aptitudes, saving money, obtaining transportation, attending small groups, being grafted into the local church through a mentor and much more. The college-accredited workbook earns members 45 college credits upon completion! At weekly chapel and class they also share their struggles and look to Jesus. This is 24/7, discipleship! Their parents keep saying, “Thanks for coming to Idaho!”

The time is here to start moving towards a new chapter again in Coeur d’alene, Idaho. Our next goal is to secure a facility for a Women’s Campus! It is with great excitement that we are pursuing this goal and have planned an upcoming fundraiser on Friday, October 4th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. You are invited to join us at Lake City Church for an evening of life changing stories and a silent auction. Event sponsors are needed.

ABSOLUTE Ministries employs a grassroots approach, with nearly all funding sourced from individuals, businesses, and organizations. We receive one-time financial gifts, monthly donations, and recurring contributions from our partners. Despite ongoing financial support, the need for physical items fluctuates with location and season. Here are 10 items you can contribute to aid in the operations of ABSOLUTE Ministries:

  1. Non-Perishable Food Items
  2. Cleaning Supplies 
  3. Personal Hygiene Products 
  4. Office Supplies
  5. Clothing 
  6. Bedding and Linens.
  7. Furniture
  8. Technology Devices
  9. Gift Cards
  10. Monetary Donations

100% of your tax-deductible gift goes toward teaching men and women how to live in a new way. When you give, you invest in God's work in people, which is the best investment possible.

If you feel called to donate finally, please visit: 

 

Hi friends. God continues to dramatically change the minds and lives of those in our care. We’ve recently developed some “Culture and Values” that are displayed at every campus. Our first value states, “We agree with God; therefore, we declare the value of people.” One way we declare this value is by spending time with them. Time is a significant currency. It is one of the most valuable things we can invest in people. When we generously give our time to others, we actively declare their worth. Declaring people’s value is one attribute of God’s people, the church. So, we do this seven days a week with all those in our care. Thank you for empowering us.

The overwhelming need for this ministry continues to persist in our communities. As I write this, we have 18 people in the intake process waiting to enroll. 18 new people will be grafted into a local church and have their family stories dramatically impacted. Our women-with-children’s campus is virtually at total capacity. We are actively searching for another suitable facility for women and are also trying to purchase the existing one we are leasing. We need more space and your help to make it happen. Your selfless support is making a real difference in the lives of these individuals, and God is being exalted as people move from the cycle of addiction to a new, sustainable way of life.

Despite facing challenges such as a 300% increase in our commercial insurance premiums mid-year, we remain steadfast in our mission. Inflation continues to impact our operational costs, but we are not deterred because God is not deterred. Our focus remains, and we are committed to declaring the value of people and investing in them. Your unwavering support empowers us, and we are determined to overcome these challenges and continue to expand the impact of our mission.

Your gifts make the lives you read about in this issue and dozens of others possible. Thank you.

JESUS is ABSOLUTE,

Cameron Birk

President/CEO