FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – It was the perfect day to praise the Lord and Darryl Strawberry brought the house down as he delivered what was nothing less than a sermon based on his personal testimony of recovery.
Bringing the sold-out crowd to their feet with his focus on the ways God has used him and his platform as a former Major League Baseball player to serve as an example of what can be when entering the recovery landscape and embracing faith, Strawberry remains a humble servant of God.
“He found me in the pit and brought me to the pulpit,” said Strawberry to a receptive crowd.
Not the only one sharing stories of successful recovery, several speakers took to the podium to thank Pastor Charles Silano for his willingness to accept them into the Open Door Re-Entry and Recovery Program, for both men and women.
“We help them by not judging them,” said Strawberry. “I think that’s the problem in our society, in the culture, is always pointing a finger at people who fall short and have shortcomings. We all shortcomings. It doesn’t matter how successful you are, you’re going to go through some struggles.”
During the evening Silano provided an update on the upcoming creation of the Open Door Re-Entry and Recovery Program Campus set to be located along State Road 11 near Justice Lane.
“You’re limited to six beds to a house. The problem is so much bigger than that. We want to triple our bedspace. We get calls all the time and we have to say no,” said Silano. The new campus will provide tiny housing options for individuals in the program, helping them rebuild their lives and return as productive members of society.
“By and large we have people that are serious about getting off the streets and doing something with their lives.”
