Elizabeth Ann Werbelow

Jimmy was born in Dallas, Texas, May 10th, 1980 in a family of girls. He started using drugs recreationally at the age of 14.  At 15 his parents divorced after a 25 year marriage scattering him and his siblings into different households.  Jimmy started using heroin and found temporary relief from the pain of the family separation. In the process of covering up the pain with drugs he grew bitter toward his family, feeling they had abandoned him. Starting in his early 20’s Jimmy had spent time in and out of prison. But prison didn’t change Jimmy’s          internal pain, he ended up in the hopital having over dosed several times. 

One day at his grandmother’s house, Jimmy was literally at his end without hope- He cried out to God, “please take this from me, I can’t do this anymore … Just don’t  let me go to prison” within a week Jimmy was arrested again and was sentenced to 4 years in prison. While in  prison Jimmy’s sister told him about RO and encouraged him to reach out and get into this faith-based ministry. Jimmy was hit with the realization that he wasn’t going anywhere with his life and prayed that if God would open the door for him to go to RO he would walk it out. He was finally released and paroled to RO. He remembered his prayer to God and Jimmy had his mind set he was going to committ to RO.

Jimmy has learned that life works better through Christ-centered relationships. He grew as a leader in Phase 1, learning to confront issues and hold others accountable. Jimmy worked as a receptionist at the RO office answering phones and was an example to the Phase 1 guys. Most of all Jimmy is realizing the power of prayer. He saw God answer him in letting him out of prison. He is seeing God’s answer in helping him find a job in Phase 2. He is currently working full time at a company with his sister. He is learning to trust God and let Him work on his behalf. Since Jimmy has been at RO there has been reconciliation with his sisters and mother and has become an example to his niece and nephews. Jimmy realized that God and his family had never abandoned him. He soon let go of the resentment and thanked God that He had open arms for him. Jimmy gives all the credit to God.

Jimmy has plans to pursue his father and spend more time with him upon graduation. Jimmy would like to stay around RO in the Refuge until he is further established and ready to move on. He likes Hope Fellowship and wants to contine with his fellowship there.