A faith based in house residential program just expanded
Joseph Johnson came to God's House of Hope six months ago, battling alcohol abuse
NETTLETON, Miss. (WCBI)- Easter is a holiday that symbolizes sacrifice and new life and one Northeast Mississippi ministry is proof that prayer, sacrifice and faith lead to victories.
Joseph Johnson came to God’s House of Hope six months ago, battling alcohol abuse, but six months later, Johnson said the intense Bible study and worship, coupled with a daily routine that teaches discipline and personal responsibility, along with prayer, counseling, and accountability, has made him a new man.
“I found God, He has moved in my family so much, being able to experience God here and the love people have for you is so overwhelming, its a blessing,” said Johnson.
Nicholas and Amy Coyle co-founded God’s House of Hope in 2017 and work daily with residents and staff at locations in Nettleton, Kilmichael and their newest site in Clinton, Alabama.
It is the first co-ed faith-based in-house residential program in the state.
Some residents come on their own, others are referred through drug courts, CPS, or other agencies. The six to the eight-month program is strict, some call it a spiritual boot camp, but there is one overriding mission.
“We’ve both come from addiction, both went through programs like this so we know where they’re coming from, this is what it’s about each and every day, not the paperwork, it’s about these people’s salvation and changing their life,” said Johnson.
Kaitlyn Cunningham’s life has certainly changed from the time she was court-ordered to God’s House of Hope as an 18-year-old. That was in 2017 and now, she is the assistant executive director, helping others find living hope at God’s House of Hope.
“This lifestyle of following Jesus and having an active relationship with the Lord was all new to me,” said Cunningham.
She also met Josh Cunningham through the ministry. They were married for 18 months and helped at the Kilmichael Center when he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Josh passed away, but Kaitlin says the foundation of her husband’s faith won’t be forgotten.
“One of the statements he made, is he said, “If I don’t faith now it’s been a lie the whole time, so to watch him keep faith and trust he was going to go home with Jesus, left a greater impact than anything,” said Cunningham.
Amy Coyle said leading God’s House of Hope is a daily adventure.
“God is faithful, when we can’t see how faithful He is, He’s even more faithful, four months ago, Vibrant Church donated 20 thousand dollars, and Tombigbee donated 10 thousand dollars, we want to e a doer of the Word, and not just a hearer only,” said Coyle.
