Walking Through Recovery | Steven’s Story
Steven Wills, 36, from Kirksville, Missouri, has walked a long road of struggle, addiction, and redemption. Jail and prison became a recurring part of his story, but it was in a county jail that a guard named Jeremiah extended an unexpected hand. “Steven, you want to go home with me tonight?” he asked, leading him to church for the first time. Though the message didn’t take root immediately, it planted a seed. Eventually, after another prison sentence and the loss of his mother, Steven hit rock bottom. In his cell, he cried out to God, and Ezekiel 37:5 spoke directly to him: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again.” That moment marked the beginning of true freedom.
Heartland Recovery became the place where Steven found restoration. “Heartland has really opened my eyes,” he shares. “They gave me a better understanding of who Jesus Christ was.” Through mentorship, accountability, and a deepening faith, he finally grasped what it meant to be a new creation. While not all relationships were restored as he had hoped, his bond with his children has been rebuilt. “Dad, you got your smile back,” they tell him now—a simple phrase that means everything. His encouragement to others in recovery? “A year is worth it for your whole life.” If you’re struggling, take that step—plug into a community that will walk alongside you, be patient with yourself, and trust that God is working, even when you don’t understand.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Contact Heartland Recovery today and take the first step toward freedom.
Heartland Men’s Recovery Program 500 New Creation Road Newark, MO 63458 recoveryinfo@hland.net 573-633-5606 (Admissions Phone) 1-816-817-1802 (eFax) More information: https://hlandrecovery.org/
Easter Sunrise Service
Heartland Community Church’s Sunday service on April 20th will be a special Easter sunrise service at 6:00am. We’ll watch the sun rise then have a time of worship and a message to celebrate that our Saviour lives! Due to the forecasted weather, we plan to meet in the church foyer for worship and a message (no lawn chairs needed), followed by breakfast shared in the HCA gym. Let’s celebrate Jesus together!
Heartland Recovery E-Newsletter
One of our residents, who recently phased up in the Men’s Program, shared how close he came to losing everything. It started with a routine traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, he fled, and ended up in jail. Not long after his release, he was arrested again on a weapons charge, a Class D felony. Facing serious consequences and with nowhere to turn, he called Heartland Recovery. He didn’t want to come at first. The rules felt overwhelming: no smoking, no talking to women, and waking up at 5:30am. But, he came anyway.
Six months later, he’s thankful—thankful that God didn’t give up on him, and that Heartland didn’t either. A turning point came when he stopped blame-shifting…. Read more at Great Things Are Happening
Looking for more information about Heartland Recovery, or for ways you can partner with us? Use this link to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter and info about upcoming events – https://hlandrecovery.org/partner-with-us/
Walking Through Recovery | Kris’ Story
Kris started using drugs at a young age, thinking it was just what the “cool kids” did. What started as experimentation quickly turned into addiction, leading him into a cycle of jail, probation, and parole. Eventually, he lost everything—his home, his family, and nearly his future. “I was tired of my life and ready to give up,” Kris said. “So I turned to God and tried something new.”
That decision changed everything. At Heartland Recovery, he found hope and a fresh start. The biggest turning point came the day before his 43rd birthday when he was baptized and fully surrendered his life to Christ. “Once I made that announcement, everything in my life started turning towards the better,” he shared. Now, with restored family relationships and a new purpose, Kris is attending Bible college and trusting God for the future.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Contact Heartland Recovery today and take the first step toward freedom.
Heartland Men’s Recovery Program 500 New Creation Road Newark, MO 63458 recoveryinfo@hland.net 573-633-5606 (Admissions Phone) 1-816-817-1802 (eFax) More information: https://hlandrecovery.org/
Friends of the College Fundraiser Banquet
Join us for an evening of fellowship, music by students, and a few words from current students and alumni. Help us celebrate the nearly 11 years we’ve had the ability to accept International students to our College and find out how you can help us prepare for the many years to come!
Click here to make a reservation.
