The ABSOLUTE Life - Fall 2024

Alissa’s battle with addiction began on what was supposed to be a celebratory night—her 21st birthday. The allure of partying led to her first encounter with meth, a decision that would dictate the next two decades of her life. Despite numerous attempts at treatment, including over 20 inpatient and outpatient centers, Alissa found herself entrapped in a cycle of addiction that spiraled into despair. The loss of her children to the system marked one of the lowest points in her life—a moment when she felt she had lost all will to live.

Through her candid reflections, Alissa reveals the myriad of attempts she made to reclaim her life, battling her addiction while grappling with the repercussions of her choices. “I was arrested 18 times, and during drug court, it took me three years to complete a one-year program. I was always missing something,” she recalls.

In 2020, at her mother’s urging, Alissa joined a program called Teen Challenge, which focused on Christian rehabilitation. It was pivotal as she learned the  importance of surrendering her will to God. “Teen Challenge taught me how to lay down my will and change behaviors. It opened my eyes to the fact that my mental illness stemmed from years of wrong thinking,” she explains. Though she initially joined to recover, the fear of relapsing drove her to stay committed to her recovery journey. This led her to learn about ABSOLUTE Ministries in 2022, which boasts a long-term approach to healing.

At ABSOLUTE, Alissa found a nurturing environment that focused on more than just overcoming addiction. Leaning into the semi-structured support, Alissa describes her experience as “piecing together a puzzle.” ABSOLUTE helped her confront her past, making sense of the steps needed to rebuild her life brick by brick. “They really took the wreckage of my history and began helping me piece it back together,” she shares.

She emphasizes how ABSOLUTE focuses on building a sustainable recovery foundation, offering emotional and spiritual guidance and practical support, such as assistance with job searching, getting a driver’s license, and managing financial responsibilities. Through the program, Alissa reclaimed her life and her relationship with her four children. With the help of ABSOLUTE, she learned to bridge the gaps of communication with her family and worked toward earning back their trust— an emotional journey that has yielded profound joy. “To have ABSOLUTE vouch for me in my journey back to my kids...it was a huge deal,” she recalls, reflecting on the impact of supervised visits turning into unsupervised ones. She added, “Thank you to all the supporters of ABSOLUTE, you made this possible!”

Now, Alissa is a graduate and a Campus Associate at ABSOLUTE’s women’s campus in Spanaway. As she is trained, she prepares to start full-time at ABSOLUTE on December 1st, furthering her commitment to helping others facing similar challenges. Community has been integral to Alissa’s healing. She emphasizes the importance of relationships built at ABSOLUTE, stating, “To be plugged into a community has been transformational.” Each connection she’s made has reaffirmed her sense of belonging, something she yearned for during her years of addiction. A guiding scripture throughout her recovery journey has been Isaiah 43: “I have called you by name; you are mine.” This passage serves as a reminder of her identity and strength as she navigates her path forward.

Alissa Moxley’s journey is a testament to the capacity of our comprehensive support and the power of Jesus. Her story not only inspires others battling addiction but also highlights the life-changing work done at ABSOLUTE Ministries. As she continues to give back, Alissa remains committed to spreading hope and emphasizing the importance of good relationships in recovery. “I recommend ABSOLUTE to anyone,” she affirms. “Through surrender, you can find hope and healing.” In sharing her narrative, Alissa becomes a pillar for those still on their path to recovery, showing that redemption and renewal are not just possible but within reach.

At ABSOLUTE Ministries, we believe that every person has the potential for transformation, a truth found in the story of our member, Dylan Ruppert. Dylan’s path has been fraught with challenges, but through faith, perseverance, and the support of his community, he is now on a journey of hope and recovery.

Dylan grew up in Palm Springs, California, in a broken home. His parents divorced when he was young, leaving him raised primarily by his mother, who struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. “I come from a long line of addiction,” Dylan reflects. “I’ve had family members die from drug use, and I’ve seen the consequences firsthand.” This tumultuous environment set the stage for his own struggles with substance abuse. Dylan began using drugs in high school, eventually trying heroin for the first time with a girlfriend. “It made me feel like I didn’t have a worry in the world,” he recalls. But this escape soon spiraled into a full-blown addiction. “I became an IV user, and I did things I’m not proud of to support my habit,” he admits. His descent into addiction led him to a life of homelessness and incarceration, with moments of desperation as he struggled to survive on the streets.

The turning point for Dylan came during a stint in jail when he reached out to his estranged father, hoping for financial support. Instead, his father offered something far more valuable: a connection to Teen Challenge. “I was skeptical at first,” Dylan recounts. “But I had nothing left. It was either that or continue on a path leading to prison or death.” After entering the program, Dylan experienced a profound transformation. “I surrendered everything,” he explains. “I dealt with the hidden issues I had been running from for so long.” Over the next six months, he rebuilt his life, finding solace and redemption through faith in Jesus. Dylan’s mother also found her way to recovery, having been inspired by her son’s transformation. “We both came to know the Lord during that time. It was a blessing to see her getting clean and sober,” he shares with a smile.

After graduation from that program, Dylan faced typical challenges adjusting to life outside any highly structured evironment, leading him back to substance use, particularly alcohol. Recognizing that he needed a supportive lifestyle community, he reached out to ABSOLUTE Ministries. “I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me here,” he says. “I knew I needed a place with godly men who could help me grow.” Since joining ABSOLUTE just under one year ago, he’s embraced a community that prioritizes love, honesty, and graduated support in the midst of real life. “My favorite part about ABSOLUTE is the community. It’s a safe place for men who want to learn and grow,” Dylan expresses. “I’ve never felt more at peace.”

Today, Dylan is employed full-time at Century Publishing, and he serves at All of Life Church in Post Falls. He has a mentor from his church who went through the ABSOLUTE Ministries online mentor training. Through this relationship, Dylan is now being grafted into the local church. He receives gracious guidance and encouragement, reinforcing his desire for a Holy Spirit empowered lifestyle. We are proud of Dylan and his journey. He is grateful for the lessons learned and the relationships forged along the way. He finds strength in the scripture, Isaiah 41:10: “Do not be afraid for I am with you; do not be discouraged, for I am your God.” This verse is a constant reminder of God’s power and support that surrounds him in the culture fostered at ABSOLUTE.

Looking forward, Dylan hopes to share his story with others who are still lost in their struggles. “I’ve seen the power of God in my life, and I want to reach out to my family and friends who are still caught in addiction,” he says passionately. Dylan Ruppert embodies the mission of ABSOLUTE Ministries—a credit to the transformative power of Jesus Christ and honest community. His journey continues to inspire those around him, proving that with God, healing and hope are always within reach.

ABSOLUTE Victories

We are thrilled to announce that ABSOLUTE Ministries has officially obtained the keys to the Coeur d’Alene Women’s Campus! This achievement comes after years of effort, and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed to this important milestone for the Pacific Northwest. Opening a new facility for women in a new geographic location was met with unreal opposition and pushback. We remained steadfast, choosing to believe God’s goodness for those yet to be rescued. With our shield of faith held up, grit, resolve, and your empowerment, we took steps forward. We are now taking on the new women’s duplex one side at a time. We’ve finished painting, renovating, and building beds on the first side. Once we have women enrolled we will refocus our renovation efforts to the other side. As of November 15, just two weeks after acquisition, we had already received more than five applications for entry.

Women and children began moving in on December 1st. The impact on these women and their lives cannot be overstated. When a woman moves in they usually come with nothing. We allow them to move in at no cost up front. They receive clean bedding, toiletries, and a trip to the grocery store with a staff member to fill up their refrigerator. They are formally introduced to other Members during that weeks chapel time. Usually during their first week they accompany the campus staff everywhere. During this time their value is reinforced and they are loved with intentionality while they stabilize. After determining their aptitudes and any skills they already posess we begin looking for job opportunities that could be a good first option for them. Typically, full-time work is secured within one week. It is common for ABSOLUTE Ministries staff to take them to doctors appointments and dental appointments during this initial time.

We need to raise about $41 per day for each Member served to cover our costs. Thank you for standing by us on this journey. Your support is critical in making a lasting trajectory change in the lives of the many women who will call this facility home. We can’t wait to share updates as more women and children join, to have their lives forever changed.

2024 RETREAT

The ABSOLUTE Ministries Annual Retreat provides a unique opportunity for both men and women Members to step away from the pressures of everyday life and reconnect with themselves, each other, and be shown the goodness of Jesus. Held over separate weekends in donated beach-side accommodations in Seabrook, Washington, these retreats serve as a place for powerful reflection, growth, and fellowship. While taking in the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean, Members are invited to immerse themselves in an atmosphere that encourages rest, rejuvenation, and a focus on the greatness of God.

During these weekends, Members engage in a variety of thoughtfully planned activities and discussions designed to foster authentic connections and shared experiences. Whether it’s through group activities, meaningful discussions, a delicious meal or quiet moments of introspection; the retreat provides a space where Members can open their hearts, share their journeys, and support one another. “We are so thankful for such a special time the Lord set aside for our ladies to reset and recenter” shares Kylee Salazar, alumni and WA Women’s Campus Director. “The Lord is surely raising up an army of women warriors”. This special getaway provides a sense of community, where Members quickly realize that they are not alone on their paths to recovery and a new life centered of God and His plans for their future.

Michael Bowles, the Regional Director for ABSOLUTE Ministries, encapsulates the essence of this experience with heartfelt conviction: “Every moment at Seabrook with the guys is intentional. This retreat is designed to break our Members out of their daily routines and immerse them in an environment focused on rest, fun, and sobriety through a relationship with Christ. For many, this is their first real vacation, or their recent memories are clouded by addiction. Regardless of where our Members come from, this retreat is about more than just creating good memories and sharing laughter—it’s about helping them become closer to Jesus than when they arrived.” This perspective emphasizes how the retreat is not merely a momentary escape from daily life, but an intentional time towards renewed thinking, practical application, and lasting renewal.

The impact of the ABSOLUTE Ministries Annual Retreat extends far beyond the bounds of the weekend itself. Many participants return home feeling refreshed, renewed, and equipped with new tools and perspectives to navigate their lives with greater clarity and purpose. The lasting bonds formed during these weekends often lead to ongoing support networks among Members, ensuring that the community spirit continues to thrive well after they return to their routines. Ultimately, the retreat represents a pivotal moment for individuals to experience being a valued person, break free from negative self-talk, build real relationships, and foster a journey towards sustainable recovery.

A Word from the Founder

Hi friends,

Christmas and the new year are upon us. The word Emmanuel—meaning “God is with us”—comes to mind. Isaiah 7 and Matthew 1 tell us that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. That promise holds true today.

I am so thankful that God is available to us all. I sure need Him. Sometimes, it doesn’t feel like He is here, especially when things are challenging, messy, or downright heartbreaking. But I’ve learned that God can be the most tangible in those moments. He comforts us deep in our souls and usually works through others via relationships to show us His grace and understanding in ways we didn’t anticipate. God is working through you to show that same care and love to the men, women, and children we serve daily at ABSOLUTE

Ministries. On Nov 1st, in order to serve more men we took over another duplex adjacent to our men’s Idaho campus. In this issue you read about the new women’s facility in Idaho that we opened on December 1st, and on Dec 16th, we will close on purchasing a women’s four-plex in Pierce County, WA. Each of these are huge faith steps. The people keep coming, and we keep grafting them into the local church while providing comprehensive services. This joint effort with the local church aligns with God, makes people sustainable, and provides authentic discipleship.We are continuing to take these faith steps so that more people can be discipled and taught how to live.

This place is overflowing with God-glorifying stories of life transformation. When you give, you’re helping us shout from the rooftops how great and gracious God is, by equipping and releasing amazing people like Alissa and Dylan who have been transformed by the Gospel into our communities and the local workforce. Think of it, not only are we grafting these people into the local church but, as just one example, we’re also simultaneously infusing Jesus’ influence into the local business community through their changed lives and our full-time job placement services.

Our Members have significant skin in the game. Every contribution you make counts as a matching gift, helping to cover the other half of the cost that each Member’s tuition doesn’t cover. Our Member’s are here because they want to learn how to live, and your support makes that possible. We do comprehensive discipleship seven days a week, infusing Jesus into every facet of their life.

God is with us, and because of His goodness, we continue to move forward and expand, taking ground for the Gospel. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being with us, advocating for and teaching so many the mindset of Jesus. By God’s grace, we’ll keep pressing onward and upward. We have a 17% budget shortfall coming into year-end and looking into 2025. Your generous help is critical in this time for our operations. During this season, thank you for giving the very best Christmas gift: an investment in people like Alissa, Dylan, and so many more.

JESUS is ABSOLUTE, 

Cameron Birk