89-Acres Addiction Recovery Camp and Retreat
When we lost our only son Walter Erik on November 9, 2002, we were filled with anger, guilt and grief. Our son’s death brought us to our lowest point. Over and over, we asked ourselves: Why did God let this happen to our son? How had we failed as parents? Will we ever feel joy again?
In searching for answers, we discovered hope and found a new purpose in life. Instead of being angry with God, we have turned to Him for comfort and to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Instead of letting guilt destroy our spirits, we decided to lend a hand in helping others defeat their addictions. Instead of letting grief overshadow the joy in our lives, we vowed to offer hope to other grieving families in coping with the loss of their loved ones to addiction.
Despite the loss of our beloved son, we have been blessed in many ways. For thirty years, the Lord blessed us with Walter Erik, who filled our lives with love and laughter before suffering with his drug addiction. For more than thirty-five years, our marriage has been blessed with love, forgiveness, and respect. In addition to Walt, we also have been blessed with a loving daughter, a wonderful son-in-law, two beautiful grandchildren, many brothers and sisters, and good and faithful friends. But most of all, we continue to receive the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.
We are not what one would call "wealthy" people, but after many years of hard work, we live comfortably. We have a nice home in the suburbs of St. Louis, and we own an 89-acre parcel of land, in Osage County, Missouri. Our 89 acres of rolling hills, verdant fields, and granite bluffs overlooks the Gasconade River, two-miles outside the village of Hope. For just over ten years we’ve enjoyed our country place as a get-away from the hustle and worry of city life. Our 89 acres has been a place where friends and family have enjoyed the outdoors--camping, hunting, fishing, or taking nature walks.
Since last November, however, we’ve also used our 89 acres as the burial ground for our son. His gravesite rests on a scenic spot overlooking the pond, near the path to the river, nestled among the cedars, oaks, and walnut trees. Each time we visit our son’s grave, we find solace in the surroundings, and we give thanks that our son is resting in such a peaceful setting.
Because of the healing we have experienced, we’ve decided to open our country place to others who are suffering, so they will know, "You are not alone." Our vision is that the 89 Acres Addiction Recovery Camp and Retreat will be a weekend place for recovering addicts to "be still and listen to God." 89 acres is a place of rolling hills and soothing waters. "In verdant pastures He gives me repose; beside restful waters He leads me; He refreshes my soul."
89 Acres will also be a weekend retreat for grieving family members to heal. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves."
While offering a place to heal, our hope is that recovering addicts will interact with those who have lost loved ones to addictions so that the addicts can realize the impact their addiction can have on not only on themselves, but also on the lives of their loved ones. Through prayer, reflection, and conversation in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, we hope recovering addicts and grieving families can help one another heal and become whole again.
89 Acres Addiction Recovery Camp and Retreat is a not-for-profit organization. Right now, our facilities are limited, so we can offer only brief stays (up to three days and two nights). Recovering addicts must be non-violent and have already gone through de-tox. Visits are through referrals only. Referrals can come from clergy, the courts, or other sources. Visitors must sign a waiver releasing the owners from any liability for injuries or accidents while on premises. Use of facilities is free, but donations to help keep the camp & retreat in operation are welcome.
Get Help Peace&Serenity Recovery Camp Admittance
Ahdad.org Inc is a Nonprofit Corporation with the goal of providing recovering addicts and their families a place to heal from the destructiveness of addiction. In the peaceful environment of a rural setting, Ahdad.org Inc offers addicts and their families a place of rest and retreat. Ahdad.org Inc is supported through the generous donations of those who desire to help recovering addicts and their families know there is hope and that they are not alone.
Without faith, Hope is just another four letter word.
WANTED: Volunteers to render drug or alcohol counseling and spiritual guidance to our guests during their stay at the camp and retreat. For more information arc@89acres.org
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Last updated Sunday, June 03, 2007
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