The Bridge • Connecting You to What God Is Doing at Fresh Start

August 1, 2026 Newsletter

July has been a month of celebration, gratitude, and powerful reminders of God’s faithfulness to Fresh Start. Earlier this month, our campus came alive as more than 200 alumni, families, partners, and friends gathered for our 40th on the 4th Homecoming. It was a beautiful milestone; forty years of transformed lives and restored families. Seeing generations of Fresh Start men return home, reconnect, and share their stories made the day unforgettable.

Just days later, our men experienced another deeply meaningful moment when Tim Johnson, former NFL player, Super Bowl Champion, and author of Fatherless No More, came to speak during our Evening Teaching. His message on healing and knowing our Heavenly Father resonated powerfully throughout the room. Many of our men described it as one of the most impactful nights they’ve had in the program.

This month has reminded us that God is still moving and still writing new stories at Fresh Start; and we are grateful to walk this journey with you.

With gratitude,

Scott Harrell

Executive Director, Fresh Start Ministries of Central Florida, Inc.

July Graduates

“I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

Jacob B.

I took my first shot of alcohol at 12, smoked marijuana at 13, and did my first bump of cocaine at 15. Growing up, I never really felt like I was good at anything, and it seemed like nobody liked me. But as soon as I got involved with drugs, everything seemed to change. When I started selling at 16, everyone wanted to be around me, and I could buy anything I wanted. However, the moment the drugs were gone, it felt like I was all alone again.

I continued living in this sad cycle of fake popularity until I was 28 years old, when I was arrested for trafficking. For months, I thought it was the worst thing that had ever happened to me. Now, with only a few days left in the program, I can confidently say it may have been the best thing that ever happened to me. That arrest led me to Fresh Start Ministries, and today I am living with happiness, peace, and hope for my future. For the first time in 16 years, I'm sober, genuinely happy, and at peace. I look forward to living the rest of my life this way.

Romans 5:3–8

Michael S.

I was stuck, living in sin and too stubborn to admit I needed to change my mindset. I was dependent on toxic habits and addicted to misery, making the same wrong choices over and over again.

I came to Fresh Start Ministries for structure and to receive the help I needed to hit the reset button. I also came here to build a stronger relationship with Yahweh and to receive a deeper revelation of what it means to follow in Yeshua's footsteps.

One of the biggest turning points in my life was seeing my relationship with my children begin to be restored. As I complete the restoration process and prepare to graduate from the program, I can honestly say I have learned many valuable lessons. The two that stand out the most are consequential thinking and learning to accept accountability.

I have also learned to spend time with Yahweh each morning because how you begin your day sets the tone for everything that follows.

Even though I am completing the program, my journey is just beginning. My goal is to continue making better decisions and to love people more effectively. I give all the glory to Yahweh for the change He is continuing to work in my life.

Jonathan S.

Before coming to Fresh Start Ministries, my life was ruled by addiction. I lied, stole, and hurt the people I loved most to feed my addiction. I lost my family, my home, and eventually found myself living on the streets.

When I had nowhere else to turn, I called a friend who had gone through this program, and he brought me to Fresh Start. Looking back, I know God was already making a way for me.

While I've been here, God has been changing my heart. I've learned to be honest, grow in my faith, and serve the brothers around me. I've also seen my relationships with my family begin to heal, and that's something I'll always be grateful for.

As I leave this program, I don't know exactly what the future holds, but I know who I'm following. Right now, God is teaching me to simply show up each day, trust Him, and take the next step He puts in front of me. I believe that if I keep doing that, He will lead me exactly where He wants me to be.