Dearest friends, please take a moment to read Bruce's story. This man was a huge inspiration to me in my recovery. Bruce is a Jesus loving man, husband to Tawney, and step dad to their son Ethan. Life has knocked him down many times but he continues to praise God for the journey. He is the worship leader at Christ Church in Easton, MD and has 8 years clean from a heroin addiction. You can click the video above to see some of his amazing talent. This man pours his heart and his voice out for Jesus. Since his recovery journey began he has given his life whole heartedly to the Lord. He is extremely active in recovery circles and does so much for so many in need. I asked him to share his story in hopes that we can bless him and help ease his struggles. I have seen him go through so many things, and yet even when knocked to his knees he is praising the Lord and thankful for his blessings. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. If you cannot help at this time please find room on your prayer list for him and his family. To God be the Glory,
JP Hines
From Bruce:
JP asked me to share my heart in regards to my financial struggles. I was hesitant because it is completely humbling to have to ask for help at my age. He told me "Just write from your heart and you will be fine".
So here we go… about 2 years ago I was diagnosed with a disease called Ankylosing spondylitis.
I found myself running fevers that were off the charts, which landed me in the Emergency Room 9 times. It wasn’t until an infectious disease Doctor who had some time on her hands decided to take a look at my blood work. I was soon admitted into the hospital and then the news came. I have a rare autoimmune disease.
So what does that mean 2 years later?
Well, I have since been able to find work after long periods of unemployment due to this debilitating disease, but nothing near the amount of financial stability that I was able to provide for my family before all of this. Nonetheless, I have a job. Praise God.
Though my diagnosis brought some clarity to what I had been suffering with, just one of my prescriptions is $880 a month after insurance. In addition, I have to have infusions monthly, so we can keep my disease under control. Without the infusions it’s hard to even put on shoes or use the bathroom. Between the infusions and my monthly prescriptions that I need to function, the total is around $1400 a month.
On top of all of the financial stressors that my illness brings, Covid hit and my wife lost her job. Bills started piling up, at this point we decided we needed to cash out our 401ks. This helped for a little bit but it wasn’t going to keep us afloat for long. Our next option was loans against our cars. These loans helped us in the moment but with the interest, it is almost sinking us. Paychecks come in and all the money goes out literally within hours, just to keep our lights on and our cars on the road.
It’s just been a seriously difficult ride. My only salvation has been in my belief system and the love of Christ.
I still start and end my day in thankful prayer for the life I have. I look forward to the day where the gas light in my car isn’t always on, or when I walk into the Doctors office and go to pay for my infusion and know that the money is there and that my overdraft protection isn’t going to have to kick in to pay for the visit. Because then you have to find a way to get your bank account back to a zero balance. It can all be a bit overwhelming at times and you just wanna throw in the towel.
But this isn’t about me, it’s about someone out there who doesn’t know Jesus yet and how I can share my testimony on how I never gave up on God, because he never gave up on me.
All praise, honor and Glory belong to God for all he continues to do for me and those I love.
I know the day will come when the fridge is full and so is my gas tank. Until then, I will place all of my faith in God and devote my life to helping others find the peace that only HE can provide.
Thanks for taking the time to hear my story. I’ll pray for all of you and please do the same for me.
God Bless,
Bruce Strazza, Child of God
