Ch 9. - "Out of Nazareth"
Ch 9. - "Out of Nazareth"

Dry Dock of a Thousand Wrecks, The by Philip Ilott Roberts (1872 - 1938)

Chris Balfe and William Johnstone recount their transformative journeys from lives of addiction and crime to redemption through faith at the Jerry McAuley Mission.

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Dry Dock of a Thousand Wrecks, The by Philip Ilott Roberts (1872 - 1938)

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After an introduction to the Ole Jerry McAuley Mission in the year 1912, many wonderful stories of destitute alcoholics and addicts making a quick recovery through a surrender to Christ Jesus. The book gives glimpses that the years of the highly esteemed Samuel H. Hadley have allowed for the “Evangelical Podium” to firmly take root in the Mission and is corroding the original purpose (the original purpose of this mission was to provide a place for chronic alcoholics and addicts who had spiritual experiences during incarceration to continue it outside of prison and not end up back at their old haunts after being repeatedly rejected by churches and society). The book tells of the on-goings in the new Ole Jerry McAuley Mission at 316 Water Street, NYC, during the early 1900's. Many things seem to have changed since the 1870's when Jerry McAuley ran the mission. First, anyone was welcome. Second, the years of sobriety touted in this book were two to five, as opposed to the decades and quarter centuries in its earlier times. Thirdly, advertising their mission, or testifying for the mission was the goal as opposed to living a spiritually guided life. This book tells of many great successes but it wasn't achieving the same high success rate. (Summary by Curt Walton)

Success StoriesCreative RecoverySpiritualityFamily RecoveryNutrition

Episodes: 33

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From Chaos to Redemption: The Cherry Hill Transformations

Episode Overview

Chris Balfe's journey from theft to spiritual awakening.
William Johnstone's struggle with gambling and alcohol.
The role of Jerry McAuley Mission in their recovery.
The impact of faith in overcoming addiction.
The importance of community support in personal transformation.

“"God has blessed my testimony and used it to his honour and glory."”

What remarkable journeys have people faced head-on against addiction? Chapter Nine of 'The Dry Dock of a Thousand Wrecks' takes you through the gritty streets of Cherry Hill, New York, where two lives are transformed in unexpected ways. You'll meet Chris Balfe and William H. Johnstone, two men who grew up amidst lawlessness and vice but found redemption through faith and the support of the Jerry McAuley Mission.

Their stories are raw and honest, depicting a life of crime, addiction, and eventual salvation. Chris Balfe, known as 'Lucky Baldwin,' recounts his transformation from a life of theft and drunkenness to one of spiritual awakening. His journey began with a stolen keg of beer at the tender age of eleven, leading to years of crime and alcohol abuse. Yet, it was a simple invitation to the mission for a cup of coffee that changed his path forever.

Through tears and prayer, Chris found sobriety and a new purpose in life. Similarly, William 'Bull' Johnstone shares his tale of growing up in chaos, turning to gambling and alcohol at a young age. His dreams of being a professional ball player were dashed by his addiction, leading him to a life of misery. But when he stumbled into the mission, sceptical yet curious, he found a community that welcomed him and helped him find faith.

These stories are not just about personal redemption; they highlight the power of community support and faith in overcoming addiction. The episode is a testament to the miracles that can occur when people are given a second chance. Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? These two men prove that indeed it can.