How it all began…
Founder of Christ and Recovery Ministries, Inc.
I was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, to parents tormented by substance abuse.
As a result, I started down the same path at the tender age of eleven.
In 1988, while caught in the grips of a Crack Cocaine addiction at 23 years of age, I attended my first 12-step recovery meeting.
I always seemed to struggle with long-term clean time.
Finally, in 2005, I was free from drugs, but my flesh continued to lead me down a road of destruction, ravaging my life and the lives of those around me.
Except now, I could no longer blame the drugs!
In 2009, with four years clean and desperately searching for something greater (higher power), I heard this speaker from Brooklyn, New York, share at a 12-step function.
He spoke of being “clean” but unable to let go of other habits and hang-ups in his past.
He explained that God had set him free from the things he used to do, and I believed him!
I would later discover after speaking with him that he was not only in long-term recovery but a Pastor.
After several conversations, he invited me to come to Brooklyn, NY.
I packed up and left Massachusetts and moved into the Recovery House of Worship (RHOW) in Brooklyn to participate in the Faith-Based Men’s Recovery Program that ministers to people in 12-step recovery.
I learned that the void I had been trying to fill with drugs and other things was caused by my separation from God.
I learned the story of the gospel and shortly after surrendered my life to Christ in 2009!
One of my highlights was writing and directing “Born in Brockton, Born Again in Brooklyn,” an off-Broadway musical seen by several hundred people who attend 12-step meetings.
In 2013, I completed a three-year Certification Program in Pastoral Theology from Urban Academy (URBACAD) and remained a passionate student of the Word.
Since 2019, I have been teaching the Bible and have had the opportunity to preach the Word and see others surrender their lives to Christ and later be baptized.
Oh, God blessed me with a beautiful wife named Wanda. And we have the cutest dog ever named Nāhgee.
My Calling.
In 2018, following Hurricane Maria – which devastated the island of Puerto Rico, I raised some money and went to the island to help.
During my mission, I attended a church on the island’s west side.
While listening to the worship team, I noticed a group of men, segregated.
My wife told me they were from the local men’s home for recovering addicts.
I said to myself: “Puerto Rico could really use a Recovery Church.”
Having been on three missions trips to Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, the calling became clear.
“To reach and serve the people in Puerto Rico affected by addiction. From the addict on the street to the person in 12-step recovery, their family, and friends”.
When I surrendered my life to Christ back in 2009, I never imagined that God would one day lead me to Puerto Rico.
And so, here I am…. Send me.