H.O.P.E.  International Addiction Program

Galations 5:24-25    ”And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Friday evening wasn’t any special night or any night for celebration; it was a typical night for Brian Kirmse. This evening was just a little reflection of the importance of HOPE.

Joyce and I arrived at the Ministry Building around 3:30 P.M. Friday evening.  Sitting in a fetus position was Brian curled as close to the door as possible to avoid the 94 Degree heat.  Brian usually shows up early every Friday evening.  This time something was a little different.  You see, Brian is homeless at age 19, and lives in the streets of Middletown.  He was as white as a ghost and completely soaked with sweat as the sun beat down on his body.  I asked him if he was alright and he shook his wet soaked head, looked up with a smile and said, “I’m a little early as usual.”  He shows up at the center usually around 4:00 P.M., but tonight it was earlier than usual.

This story is very true and certainly doesn’t even come close to the actual facts. Brian was kicked out of his house because he had graduated from high school and mother told him to fend for himself.  Sadly he was kicked out at age 16, because his mother had many boy-friends.  He learned quickly to survive on the streets but with substance abuse.  Pain was an expected event for Brian.

I met Brian through the Enabled Pantry ministry.  We became friends and he accepted my willingness to offer prayer support.  In the first week with him he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  He has grown, and he is becoming an asset to the HOPE program.  For twelve weeks he has been alcohol and drug free. Galatians 5:1  ”Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

“Brian that day was taken to Hamilton with his mother, she left him off in front of a Route 4 Kroger store and drove off leaving him behind. Brian walked in the heat for 12.5 miles to be able to attend our meeting.”

HOPE means something to these kids, and the program is working.  It’s an important ministry, so please support us!  This may be a person that will be something someday.  He wants to be a minister or work with other youths to show them how God works in our lives.

Finally this is a poem he wrote…enjoy!

A lot of things go on in this world
Some good, some bad
Either way, there’s a lot of Blame to go around
So here’s to it going where it belongs
Praise the Lord

Blame You, oh powerful one
Have seen me to the end of my rope
I blame my life on you

You have broken me
To a thousand pieces
Beyond Mans ability to repair

You have destroyed me
Shattered my faith
Tore me, limb from limb
I blame my life on you

I have given up Hope
Ran out of love
Filled up with Hate
I have Died
I have Changed
Your Works have Shattered me
I blame my life on you

You…
You have healed me
You have given me strength
You have SHOWN me TRUTH
The folly of my ways
You have opened my eyes

You…
You have lifted me up
You taught me
You have returned my smile
My laugh, my joy
Gladly my Lord,
I blame my life on you

Stay strong, never stop believing
He will always believe in you
Always love you, as one of His own
For you are
One of God’s Children
God Bless YOU ALL.

-  Brian Kirmse

HOPE International-Mike Williams, Director