In a world where addiction can often seem insurmountable, there exists a beacon of hope nestled within the Kingsland community—a men’s 12-step spiritual-based recovery house, His Joshua House.
This sanctuary, wholly sustained by the generosity of donations, the unwavering support of the community, and the dedicated efforts of volunteers, offers a transformative path to recovery.
Here, men battling addiction find not only a safe haven but also a structured, spiritually enriched program that guides them towards healing and renewed purpose.
His Joshua House stands as a testament to the power of collective compassion, proving that with faith and communal effort, recovery is not just possible, but profoundly achievable.
The board of directors has appointed a new interim executive director, Donald Wayne Thompson.
“Donald brings authenticity and legitimacy to the whole process because of his story. And because of his growth over the last six years,” said David Henneke, pastor of First Baptist Church in Kingsland and His Joshua House board member. “Being able to see Donald and his story is a game changer. It makes all the difference for these men to see that.”
September 2018, Thompson entered His Joshua House as a resident having struggled with addiction for decades.
His addiction path had taken him through numerous rehabs, jails, mental institutions, and programs. He had knowledge but no answers.
“I needed the 12 steps to condition myself to be willing to accept, that’s a lot of what our program teaches us, the willingness,” Thompson explained. “Today, my horrible past has become an asset to me. Our ability to work with others and help others, and how key that is to my sobriety.
“My past gives me an asset that a normal person doesn’t have. I can really get down on the level with the guy. Guys would say I can’t ever be okay. I’ve done this. And I can tell them you know what I did? They’d ask how are you okay with it?” Thompson added. “I have the opportunity to show them how to become okay with it, by sharing my experiences with others.”
Thompson was the first former resident to be invited to join the board of directors for His Joshua House and later became president of the board of directors.
Henneke added, “Then, the board turned around and said we have another calling for you. Would you consider stepping into the position of executive director?”
Thompson is excited and grateful to serve His Joshua House in any way.
The facility, based in Kingsland, not only provides a safe place for recovery, but also a road to life.
“Here on top of the treatment we go through the process of helping the men get their documents, identification, social se curity card, savings account,” he said. “Taking them to the DMV, giving them a vehicle to take their driving test in, So when they leave here, they have all this knowledge of what to do and what not to do but they also have a means to live. They’re set up for success in life other than just not drinking or using.”
The program teaches life skills and the value of giving back to the community through volunteering.
Although residents work, they do not pay rent, they save their earned paychecks for when they are ready to start a new life. Funds needed to run the facility are raised through fundraisers and donations.
On Saturday, June 1, the nonprofit will host its largest one of the year – the 7th Annual Wild Game Dinner from 3-7 p.m. at Highland Lakes United Methodist Church, 8303 West 1431, Buchanan Dam. (See related story on Page 1).
While Thompson spoke about the impact the house has had on his life, his eyes glistened with unshed tears, his voice cracking under the weight of his joy.
Each word seemed to carry the profound sig- nificance of the moment, making it clear how deeply he was moved.
"I understand firsthand what men need here. I’m grateful to be in this position,” Thompson said. “This is where I can really serve God with these men.
“This house, I can’t say it enough. My life is because of this house,” he added. “I’m just grateful for it. I get how important this house and treatment are.”
