Henry T. Resident Testimony

My name is Henry T. I am 54 years of age, and I am Native American with the Navajo Tribe.

I had a good life in Arizona. I was employed with a construction company and was 8 years sober at the time. I relapsed with my addiction to alcohol and struggled with anger, which led to my divorce. I made the decision to leave my marriage and was on the street for three months.

The streets broke me badly. I was robbed and beaten one night and ended up in the hospital. The morning I was released, I went to the bus stop and there were two gentlemen who informed me about Steelbridge.

I was broken from alcohol, depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, hunger, and lack of sleep. I just wanted rest and peace. I was in prayer through that dark journey, and God had His hand in everything.

Living in that struggle has given me awareness and appreciation to strive for something deep within myself. I found more than peace here at Steelbridge. I began forming my relationship with God here. I always felt God, but I was displaced by my consumption of alcohol. I was stubborn and selfish, and I wanted to do it my way. My ego and pride drove me to nothing, but God saved me.

Steelbridge has helped me grow in my relationship with God by the quality time spent with Him. My relationship with God continues to increase in everything. I realized I’m not the only one with traumas. I learned that not everything I was blamed for is my fault.

I love myself. My relationship with God is my greatest empowerment. I’ve learned to let go of my past and things that weren’t mine to carry. I have self development. I’ve since built my confidence, taken control of my life, and I find peace and joy with others. I share my testimony to help others, wanting the best for them.

I learned to overcome obstacles and develop life skills, which inspire my motivation and self confidence to complete tasks. I also always want to help my brothers be servants of God. In the process, I hope to continue to learn about myself and learn how to cope with my anger. I realized when I’m angry, I quickly resolve to frustration, and I know God does not agree with my actions. I am a work in progress.

Through this, I want to become a social worker or counselor. I know patience and understanding that everything is in God’s hands has created a purpose of appreciating my struggles, smiling in the rain. It motivates me for even more change, being still while things are uncomfortable and walking in God’s peace and joy.

After Steelbridge, I would like to go back to college. I want to have a stable job, save money to afford an apartment, and get a vehicle. I want to work with the church, becoming a counselor. My hope is to share and teach what I’ve gone through to be an inspiration and support to others. I want to be a servant of God and help make great changes in others.

I am now comfortable with God. Before, I was afraid because I kept making mistakes. I now have faith through everything I go through. I would not be where I am today without faith. In God’s eyes, everyone is a blessing. We are all loved by God, and He will never abandon us or hurt us. He forgives us and understands our every desire. He is our light.

It begins with God and letting Him hear your cries. You have to be willing to face whatever it is that is not of you and want to fight the good fight. Trusting in God with everything, opening your heart, and knowing how much you are loved and noticed by God. The obstacles are part of the change, leaving everyone and everything in your past to take the time to heal and rebuild yourself.

If I could encourage someone to come to Steelbridge but isn’t sure, I would greet the person with a handshake, smile, hug, or offer fruit and water. I’d pray for them and let God use me as a vessel to bring peace and comfort upon the person. I’d reassure them that we all experience difficulties in our lives, express God’s love and authority over us, let them know they are not alone, and that we are here to help them.