A Story of Hope and Celebration
45 Years Sober: A Journey of Gratitude and Giving Back
Tens of thousands of people struggle with addiction—in our community alone. As you are reading this, chances are someone you love—or maybe even you—are among them.
This is a story of hope...
A Recovery Milestone
Forty-five years ago, addiction had its claws sunk deep in me, promising a false sense of escape that ultimately led me down a dark path. But it wasn't a dead end. It was a crossroads. On June 30, 1979, I made one of the most important decisions of my life: I chose to surrender. I chose sobriety.
There's no sugarcoating it: my recovery journey wasn't a walk in the park. The reality is it wasn't a singular moment but a series of small steps, each one leading me closer to a life of hope, healing, and purpose.
Living Sober
There were many moments of doubt but with each sunset looking out at the Pacific a renewed sense of purpose formed in my heart and mind. I began to understand that victory begins with surrender.
Sobriety isn't just about abstaining from drugs and alcohol—that is just the start. It is about learning to embrace life in all its messy, glorious complexity, to find joy in the simple things, to walk confidently in your skin, and lean into who God made you to be.
Looking Back
Today, I can look back and clearly see the wreckage that addiction caused and the devastation that could have continued. Unfortunately, a big part of that clarity is informed by my experience watching others struggle. I’ve seen people lose everything they have, families torn apart, and have attended way too many memorial services directly linked to addiction.
This hindsight has also built in me a deep gratitude for the life I have today. By God’s grace, my wife and I celebrate 29 years of marriage this year. Together, we have 3 amazing children and 2 darling grandchildren. I have served my community as a pastor for the last 23 years and as the director of the nonprofit Harbor Rock Recovery for the last 10 years. Every day I marvel at my full and good life and resolve to be a lifeline for those still battling addiction.
Help me celebrate 45 years of sobriety!
My life is a testament to the power of second chances—to God’s grace, a supportive community, and the incredible transformation I've experienced over the years.
While it has been in the works for a while, I am celebrating this milestone by making another big step: I am officially stepping away from my tenure at King’s Harbor Church to help those who are struggling find victory over addiction, full time.
As the full-time Director of Harbor Rock Recovery, I will be expanding the vital support and resources we offer for individuals and families battling addiction with the goal to help them grow in faith, recovery, and community.
As you know, nonprofits run on donations. That's why, in honor of my 45 years of sobriety, I'm raising money for Harbor Rock Recovery to bring awareness and support for the services that are so desperately needed here in the South Bay. I have a BIG goal to raise $50,000 this month. This goal represents close to 25% of Harbor Rock Recovery’s annual budget. To meet this goal, I need your help.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Your one-time or monthly donation of any amount will help Harbor Rock Recovery provide essential services to someone in need. Services like assessment - referrals to recovery programs and community resources, even Intervention consultations. I can provide an initial meeting to offer coaching for a family member struggling to cope, or simply offer a glimmer of hope on a seemingly hopeless day. There is a solution!
To make a secure one-time or monthly donation, visit https://secure.givelively.org/donate/harbor-rock-recovery or click the button below.
Host an Information Meeting
To make the biggest impact, we need visibility. If Harbor Rock Recovery has come alongside you in a time of need, consider sharing us as a resource with friends. Hosting an information meeting means opening your home and inviting friends, neighbors, or anyone you know who needs or supports hope for recovery. I will personally come, share my story and more about Harbor Rock Recovery and answer questions.
To learn more about hosting an information meeting, contact me directly at dan@harborrockrecovery.org.
You make what we do possible. Together, we can make a difference. We can help people find the path to recovery, rebuild their lives, and create a future filled with hope. I am ever grateful for your partnership.
Looking forward,
