The Pontiac Rescue Mission choir performed at our church on March 31, 2000, as part of a tour that included St. Lucius, Florida, and other stops along the way. During their visit with us, they told us Nick’s story.
His probate officer was not going to allow him to leave the state (Michigan) to go with the choir. However, a judge then ruled that Nick could travel anywhere in the U.S. or out of the country, as long as he was with the choir.
Nick wrote a letter to thank the judge, and shared it with us. Following is the letter (with permission from Pontiac Rescue Mission and Nick):
| Greetings your Honor, | 3-24-00 |
My prayer is that you and everyone you love and care for are well and being used of God. Your Honor, the Lord has laid it upon me to extend to you a letter of thanks and also a description of how He is using me with the Pontiac Rescue Mission to spread the Good News gospel of Jesus Christ. Your Honor, 2 years ago no one could have convinced me that I would be clean and sober, traveling to different countries, as well as all over the country singing praises and testifying about what the Lord has done in and with my life. I used to have my own agenda, but somehow He has brought glory to Himself through all of my mess-ups. There’s no longer a desire living within me to do the things I used to do (praise God). The last thing I remember you telling me was "Mr. Washington, the best thing you could have possibly done was walk through the doors of the Pontiac Rescue Mission." Your honor, it wasn’t me, I’m not worthy of that glory, I was headed down an express highway to self-destruction. I had accepted the reality of dying in my addiction or spending the remainder of my life in prison. But something strange and wonderful happened inside of me that altered my thinking. Just when it seemed hopeless, I cried out for help, and the Lord began a work in me through you, Pastor Clark and the Pontiac Rescue Mission. Presently I am sitting in the back seat of Pastor Clark’s car headed along with the choir to Florida. Our mission is to tour the states and sing, give testimony of how the Lord changed our shattered lives. Two weeks ago we (the choir) went to the island of St. Lucia in the West Indies for a Gospel Conference. My heart was touched when I met people who didn’t know about the Lord. I thought everybody in some way or another did. Now because how I have seen how the Lord has used my past and all of my unfortunate circumstances to guide me to this point, my life is beginning to make sense along with a purpose. I’ve surrendered and become receptive, I now know why we have such an overwhelming problem in our country with drugs and crime. People are running away from God and worshiping false gods. For almost 20 years that has been my problem, and it has always deceived me and almost cost me my life. But today I am grateful that the Lord touched your heart and you had mercy. The Pontiac Rescue Mission has a recovery program that is unlike any program I have ever attended only because it’s Christ centered. I needed an understandable knowledge of Jesus Christ. I attend classes daily concerning scripture. There’s structure, accountability, there’s also daily chores and work. My life is far from what it use to be like. I’m finally beginning to enjoy life just the way it is. I have been blessed with a new family of friends who just like me needed someone to love them and give them a chance. There’s hope. Thank you Your Honor, I hope some day to see you again and share with you more about this wonderful transformation, and possibly give you a tour of the Pontiac Rescue Mission. Have a Blessed day, and Pastor Clark says hello!
Yours in Christ,
Nicholas Washington