My name is Darrell John Geddes Jr. I am 30 years old. My first DUI was when I was 17 years of age; it left me beaten unrecognizably and hospitalized by my arresting officers this proceeded a high speed high speed highway chase. Between the ages of 18 and 20 I had found myself addicted to Methamphetamine, Alcohol, Marijuana, Sex & Pornography. By the time I had turned 21 I had received my third DUI and had attempted to take my own life by jumping off a nearby bridge into the water because the drugs, alcohol and sex weren't numbing my pain anymore.
I grew up in the church my father is a Professor and a Pastor my Mother is Doctor. In high school I was very popular, on the Student Advisory Committee, I was active in my youth group and church I even attended annual missions trips to help bring God’s word to other countries. I had been living a double life from the age of 15 years old. While I was doing some positive things with my life half the time, the other portion of time was spent killing myself with porn, sex, drugs & parties.
My third DUI resulted in the lose of my job and the respect of those that were in business with me at that time. I was depressed,lonely (even though I had tons of friends around at all times) and in desperate need of a radical change and transformation; “The City of Hope” provided me with exactly what I needed
I received word from my mother that my God Mother had signed me up for a Business corse in Atlanta GA about 6 months before my third DUI. While attending this corse I would be living and assisting in the running of “The City Of Hope” with my God Mother Alecia Washington it’s founder. This was a substance free mansion devoted to helping people get back on their feet; rather they were addicted to drugs, homeless or just needed a fresh start. We attended NewBirth Baptist church on Wednesdays and Sunday mornings every week without fail.
During my time at the City of Hope my relationship with God grew and that relationship started the transformation that I am still experiencing to this very day.
Upon my return home to Minnesota I was no longer addicted to Sex, Drugs, Porn or Methamphetamine; I found my identity in Jesus Christ. I attended and graduated from my business corse as well as the 12 step program they offered through the church.
Since I have been back in Minnesota I have continued to grow and change always keeping fresh in my memory what God for me through “The City Of Hope”. God has blessed me with a wife, two dogs and a relationship with Him that is not boring at all (and so much more). God also used me to communicate His word to his people on 08/31/2014. I am excited for what God is doing All praise and honor is due to His name because without Him I am truly dead in my sins. Bless the Lord All my soul and all that is within me bless His name. My testimony continues with each new day in Christ. May God Bless and keep you. Amen
Darell Geddes