‘I Am One Of God’s Children, And I Matter:’ Patrick Lamey’s M28 Story

After a string of bad events in Patrick’s life, he spiraled. Homeless for three years, Patrick found himself living in abandoned houses and tents. He prayed to many different idols and “gods,” not knowing what or whom to believe in. He had been raised Catholic but never had much faith in the religion.

On a hot summer day in 2022, Patrick sat at a fire circle in the woods, calling out to God for a sign of his faithfulness and help. Patrick had tried to get sober in the past, but it had never worked. Out of nowhere, a giant thunderstorm rolled in over the mountains and drenched him. From that moment on, Patrick took that as a sign from God declaring his realness and presence in Patrick’s struggles.

Patrick knew that a recovery center was a short half-mile hike on the other side of the mountain from him. The very next day, he began his journey with a knock on that recovery center’s door. This time, his recovery journey would be different. He was ready to accept God as part of his recovery. He was forever changed by that summer storm that swept over the mountain where he laid down his foxhole prayer.

Patrick has struggled with addiction most of his life, beginning with alcohol in high school and progressing to trying different drugs. He acknowledges that he has suffered from addiction for the past 18 years of his life. Currently, he is 16 months sober. After several overdoses in 2022, he had enough. Wanting a change, he knew the steps he would have to take to correct the path he was traveling on.

While Patrick was in rehab, a pastor visited and became a spiritual mentor for Patrick, reintroducing him to the goodness of God. Upon his transition to Daystar Center, he was introduced M28 Ministry, Pastor Jim, and Jimmy. Patrick felt connected to Pastor Jim and his simple explanation of who God is and God’s will for our lives. He began meeting one-on-one with Pastor Jim and has attended M28 ever since.

“I am not sure what God wants for me in my life, and I feel like Pastor Jim is helping me to find out what my mission here on Earth is, even if it is not a big one. So far, he is helping me with how to live my life, and I have no want, desire, or need to go back to my old life,” said Patrick of his recovery journey thus far. “I feel like I should have done this a long time ago, but it would not have been right. Pastor Jim helps to give me a foundation that what I am doing is correct. Even if I have struggles, he is there for me.”

A New Car for a New Life

Patrick recently received the gift of a car from M28 Ministry, recognizing the positive recovery track he has been on by gaining employment, finding a place to live, attending meetings, and receiving assistance and guidance that have helped him turn his situation around. Patrick has rebuilt his life, and Pastor Jim Schambach and Jimmy Schambach thought a car was his next step.

Having this car eliminates several roadblocks to where Patrick could live and work. Previously, he relied on public transportation or being within walking or biking distance of employment. But this car has opened a world of possibilities. We are most excited that he now has the means to travel the distance to his daughter’s home and reestablish a relationship with her.

‘You Are Not the One in Control’

Patrick enjoys life, wants to keep progressing in his recovery, and attributes his success to M28 Ministry.

Patrick’s message to others who might be thinking of a journey of recovery is, “There is a God, and it is OK to admit that. It is actually a load off of your shoulders when you admit that you are not the one in control.”