Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision the people perish.”

A couple of years ago Michelle and I went on a family vacation to Florida. Everywhere we went we saw advertisements with this phrase, “cruises to nowhere!” Now, I’m the kind of person that likes to go places, to see things, and make progress.  So, needless to say, I was somewhat intrigued by this concept.  I picked up a flier to “get the scoop” on these “cruises to nowhere.” I found that people get on board a cruise ship and instead of leaving the harbor and setting sail for a lush, plush island in some remote exotic location,  they simply go out to sea, and travel in circles for a couple of days, a week, or even 2 weeks at a time!! 

There is no doubt people have a great time while on these cruises.  I mean hey, they dine on sumptuous meals, lounge around the pools, enjoy the live shows, catch a few movies, and participate in many on-board activities; NO DOUBT, lots of fun!  But something dawned on me.  For a lot of people in the world today, their lives are a lot like those cruises!  Many people are on a trip yet they have no destination.  Their charted course seems to be that of a circle.  They occupy their time by filling each day with pleasures and activities that have no lasting or eternal benefits for themselves or for others! They seem to keep going around and around, and around, merely spinning their wheels in vicious circles.  In the end, after all the smoke clears and the dust settles, they finish no better than they started!!!  A cruise to nowhere may be a fun way to occupy a few days of vacation time, BUT IT IS NO WAY TO SPEND YOUR LIFE!!

180 Degrees Ministries® is in the business of helping people find meaning, purpose, significance, and vision in their lives. Richie is a prime example. Richie played drums for a heavy metal band that toured with Panterra, Limp Biscuit, Korn and many others.  He claims to have lived as an agnostic for his entire life (twenty-seven years). After many years of hardcore drug addiction that goes with the territory, Richie comes to the end of himself and begins searching for anything to give him hope.  As he drives down the interstate he calls out to God, in a cynical way, and says to God, “if you are real, you know me and you know that you MUST show me you are there in a way I could never misunderstand – God, I need a sign!”  A gust of wind comes from nowhere and blows something across the interstate; guess what it was? A ROAD SIGN!!!!!!! A literal road sign fell directly over his lane.  Ironically enough, as he swerved to miss the sign he spun around, (I like to say he did a 180) came to a halt, looked just beyond the sign and noticed another billboard that read, “if you were to die today where would you go?”  He called the number on the sign and got saved. Unfortunately Richie was not mentored, held accountable, or challenged to grow as a new believer, so he eventually fell back into his old patterns.  Aren’t you glad God doesn’t just give up on us that easily?

Pretty soon someone put one of our testimony CDs in his hands.  As he listened to the principles and promises in God’s Word and hope began to spring forth in his heart again.  Richie called the office and came in for an assessment.  We have poured into him through counseling, teamed him up with a couple of other musicians who live for God for accountability, he is actively pursuing God in regular Bible studies, he is plugged in at a local church, plays in their praise band, has started a Christian band and he has been clean from heroin, etc for over eight months!!  Richie also played drums for us for the first time at a student conference in West TN last weekend.  THAT’S what 180 is all about!!!  Richie’s story is only one of hundreds we could share with you.  Each day we are amazed at the individuals and families God sends our way to help them make that 180 Degree turn toward Him! 

These past three months have been an incredible time of ministry to individuals, families, small, and large groups. 

-Places we have spoken: Rotary Clubs, business luncheons and dinners, fundraisers, conferences, churches, retreats, revivals, in schools, and to pastors

-Counseling Sessions: Averaged 39 sessions per week - we have watched God mend families and set addicts free

-Program Placement: We now have eighty-one individuals in long-term, Christ centered treatment programs all over the nation.  God is working in a supernatural fashion here at 180!!  

We would like for you to help us educate our community and surrounding areas about our services. We would love to come and speak to you, your church, business, or civic group about how we can work together to make your community a better place to live.  We KNOW drugs, alcohol, and addiction.  That’s what we do, that’s what we know, and we are only a phone call away from meeting your need.  Please call our offices at 904-7180 to schedule an appointment or set up a speaking engagement.     

Don’t forget to include 180 Degrees Ministries® in your monthly and year end giving. 

Thank you for your continual prayer and resources to make REAL changes in REAL people in REAL life!!