For Caleb Shreve, CityServe Arkansas has played an important role in reaching sobriety. In 2020, Shreve entered an addiction recovery program. Since then, he has been on the journey of recovery. In and out of programs, Shreve entered M18 in the fall of 2022. Over the past several months, Shreve has not only been taught how to recover from addiction, but has also grown in his faith, leadership skills and confidence.
“This past year the Lord has grown me to be patient and humble. Especially because I relapsed about six months ago. It is amazing that I was brought to M18 in the back of a cop car and now I am able to work at M18 and volunteer at CityServe and help others,” Shreve said.
When reflecting on addiction, Shreve described it as a feeling of no control. One is only controlled by their addiction.
“Addiction is not a choice. It is a choice for someone to first use, but once it gets to the point that your life is falling apart, there is no control,” Shreve reflected. “I know from first hand experience when I tried to quit I just could not do it. I would try for a week or two and then I would fall back harder. Addiction controls you.”
While at M18, Shreve began volunteering at CityServe. As a volunteer, he had the opportunity to hear the stories of pastors and the churches they shepherd. Listening to their stories, his eyes were opened to just how much God loves him and His people. A skeptic before entering recovery, Shreve’s belief in God was confirmed through the people and stories he encountered.
“Working at CityServe has helped me grow closer to God. I would not consider myself a believer in 2020. To see how God moves through this warehouse, the local church and through every item that leaves this warehouse, it can only be God,” Shreve said.
After surrendering his life to Christ, Shreve has been completely changed by the hope and life found in the Gospel. This hope has transformed his life and the way he views his recovery. Shreve has had to completely surrender to God and allow him to humbly change his heart.
“The person I am today is patient. There is a lot I need to work on, but I am a lot more understanding. When I make mistakes, I have learned to forgive myself and go to the Lord instead of hiding in my fear, shame and resentment of myself,” Shreve reflected. “In the past I have had fear, shame and resentment destroy me and they have always led me back to using.”
A heart for serving the Lord and a gift of cooking, Shreve plans to use his passions in ministry to feed people. Having attended culinary school, Shreve loves to serve others by the food he makes.
“I have a huge calling on my life for ministry. One of my natural gifts is culinary arts. I want to use that in ministry to serve people,” Shreve said.
Shreve’s life is a testament to the power of Christ. Shreve’s Jesus is a Lord of strength.
“Jesus is my savior. He is the one who pulled me from my addiction. He has given me the power to stay clean and sober,” Shreve reflected. “Whenever I mess up or fall again, Jesus is always there to help me. Everything that has happened in my life God has used to grow me stronger.”
“When I make mistakes, I have learned to forgive myself and go to the Lord instead of hiding in my fear, shame and resentment of myself. In the past I have had fear, shame and resentment destroy me and they have always led me back to using.”