HAROLD KELLER

Greatest miracle is new life Trying to explain the awesome power of God is impossible. The following letter I received Thursday does a good job: “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Keller, First things first. Praise God and His Glory! I apologize for taking so long before writing. You asked me to contact you when I made it here at the halfway house. Well, it’s been five weeks and I don’t know how to tell you how blessed I’ve been. Things are going so much better than I ever suspected. And I say suspected, instead of expected, because I was suspicious about this place. I didn’t know anything about it. But I can tell you, honestly, when I was at the treatment center, I just left it up to God to put me somewhere that I needed to be. And, again, just like at the detox center, the smallest amount of faith worked. I’m right where I need to be. Mr. Keller, I remember the conversation you had with me when you asked me, “What is the greatest miracle on earth?” I thought for a moment, but didn’t know, and you said, “The greatest miracle on earth is a changed life.” Today, I praise God that you said that because all I wanted when I was at the treatment center was my life to change, not to just stop using drugs and alcohol, but to change my life. After 28 years of drinking and using drugs, four treatment centers in the last eight years, talking to psychiatrists, psychologists, substance abuse counselors, master social workers, and everyone else with letters behind their names, it was our Father that set me free – like the words on the cover of the Bible you gave me: “Free on the Inside.” When I was using drugs and alcohol, my heart was crying out for peace while my addiction prepared for war – a war I could not win. Mr. and Mrs. Keller, the pain, misery, bondage and destruction of my life and the lives of others is finally over. I found Christ! (My Higher Power) I’m going back to work, my marriage that was already in the hands of lawyers is coming back together, my health, that was really bad, is now good, but most of all, my relationship with Jesus is growing. There is just not enough letters in the word, Unbelievable! I would like to thank you for taking the time to talk with me. You told us at the treatment center that you loved us, and now I understand and believe you. I remember I was sitting by the plant near the nurses’ station when you said it. Mr. Keller, I would like to ask a favor from you. Please, the next time you go to the treatment center, would you tell the guys something for me? Please tell them that, although I don’t know who they are, I love them and that they don’t have to suffer any more. They don’t have to fight any more. God’s love, peace and joy are free. The only thing that stopped me from receiving them was my pride and ego. I got to the point where I refused to let drugs and alcohol take me off this earth miserable. I once was where they are. My wife and all six children are doing fine. We’re planning to go to Six Flags over Texas in San Antonio in July – and one more thing! I just found out that I’ll be a grandfather in November. My oldest daughter, a school teacher, is married and is expecting. Yeah! It’s great! Well, it was a good feeling to sit down and finally write to you and your wife. I hope and pray that things are going well for you and her. Feel free to drop a postcard any time. I’ll be here a year and a day. Glenn is here with me and says hello. He is doing well. Take care and God bless! Your friend in Christ, (Name Withheld)” HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at 652-8477.