In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, hosts Paul and Kathryn speaks with Crystal Ward from Alabama about her journey from childhood sexual abuse and a family shaped by addiction to more than 20 years of substance dependence. Crystal shares how unforgiveness—not just drugs—kept her bound, her multiple attempts at treatment, and the life-changing encounter with Christ that finally led to lasting surrender and healing.

Topics include early trauma, family dynamics, foster care, huffing gas and polysubstance use, losing and regaining custody, seven treatment attempts, the role of faith in recovery, the power of forgiveness (including forgiving her father), and how Crystal now serves others through ministry—married to Elijah Warren and preparing to lead a women’s City of Refuge.

Tune in for a raw, hope-filled conversation about failures and restoration, practical recovery wisdom, boundaries, and how God uses brokenness for renewed purpose.

Guest Matthew Rindge shares a raw, honest story of growing up surrounded by addiction, coping with his sister’s suicide, years of substance abuse, jail stints, and self-harm. Listeners hear how desperation and family intervention led him to the Home of Grace and the long, difficult steps toward sobriety.

The episode covers Matthew’s struggle with depression, addiction to opioids and Xanax, legal consequences, and the spiritual journey from atheism to faith—culminating in a transformative moment in chapel and eventual baptism. Conversations explore relapse, recovery phases, counseling, and the role of community and church in sustained change.

Key takeaways include the challenges and rewards of recovery, confronting past hurts and unhealthy patterns (including manipulation and relationship work), and practical hope: how faith, honest support, and programs like the Home of Grace can turn darkness into restored purpose.

In this episode of Jesus Loves Addicts host Paul and Ross interviews John Nugier from Crowley, Louisiana, who shares a raw, honest testimony of 41 years of addiction and the winding path to lasting recovery. John recounts childhood loss, boarding school, early substance use, five marriages, multiple treatment attempts, and the near‑death car accident that became his turning point.

Topics include the role of faith in recovery, the limitations of rehab without a spiritual foundation, the Home of Grace model (a three‑month Christ‑centered program), accepting responsibility, forgiveness, family reconciliation, and practical lessons for loved ones and those still struggling. John describes his moment of surrender, baptism, and how God transformed his anger into compassion and ministry work helping others find treatment.

Listeners can expect candid stories, hard lessons about enabling and manipulation, encouragement for families, and clear takeaways about building a relationship with Christ, taking responsibility for one’s choices, and the slow, ongoing process of healing and redemption.