Today we’d like to introduce you to Garrison Getchell.
Garrison, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Six years ago, I entered the program of Hope is Alive in Oklahoma City. I was at my very bottom, living in my car, battling daily drug addiction, I pushed away everyone who loved me. I wanted 100% focus on getting anything that would give me temporary relief. That is until I entered the HIA program and they showed me the love of Jesus Christ and a path to radically change my life. Staying there for only a short 3 months, I shipped off to basic training for the military before allowing the miracle to happen. But a seed had been planted that never stopped growing. Although I wouldn’t trade the friendships and experiences I got in the Army for anything, I did end up replacing the drugs with alcohol. Once again, I was brought to my knees begging God for forgiveness. I thought of ways to take my life daily.
So when I transitioned out of the Army, I knew exactly who to call. I moved back into an HIA mentoring home, this time in Wichita, Kansas. What God has done for me since is nothing short of divine intervention. Working for a ministry that personally saved my life is something I never thought I would be saying. My wife, son, and I moved to Kansas City this year to help people struggling from the same inflictions that plagued me for years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say there have been many struggles. From moving all over the country to destroying my credit and everything in between, it takes time to build everything back up. My relationship with God has been pivotal to any success I have experienced. Getting married, purchasing my first home, moving, and growing our family have also been challenging blessings.
For me, drugs and alcohol were the first things to go. Which is vital of course. But with years of putting every basic priority on the back burner, there is so much more to be done. Working through all the damage I did to myself and others was a big part of that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Hope is Alive?
Hope is Alive is a ministry with a nationwide mission of radically changing the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics, and those that love them. It is a program in which 80% of our graduates experience long-term sobriety. We have homes all across the United States, in which our graduates lead these programs, and lead men/women to sobriety through a relationship with Jesus Christ each and every day. Hope is Alive does this in a very unique way. I believe our men and women have changed the face of recovery nationwide. The Hope is Alive Program is responsible for millions of months of sobriety, and thousands of lives saved by sticking to what we believe in.
We redefine the way people get and stay sober. Our vision is to radically change the way our residents interact with each other, always offering grace and kindness, but not backing down on holding others accountable. This is a gift that I believe God has blessed me with. One of my favorite verses that reminds me of this is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If you would like to learn more about what we are doing or help in a town near you, get on HopeisAlive.net, donate at GiveHIA.com, or email me at garrison@hopeisalive.net
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is spending time with family and friends. It is one thing that was low on my priority list for so long and honestly feared being around people. Social interaction is a necessity in life that I do not take for granted anymore. I spent too much of my life hiding from God, myself, and others. Now, it brings me joy to have quality time with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: HopeisAlive.net // GiveHIA.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hope_is_alive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeisaliveok
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeisAliveMinistries
