Speak Up

Hello..my name is Dale Garrett..I would like to take a few moments of your time to introduce myself to you and explain why I am posting this..In Dec. of 2011 I was in iowa and was in a meth lab explosion. I was in a basement when this happened..alone and was on fire from the waist up..and for all natural reasons the fire should not have went out for it was fueled with 2 cups of coleman camp fuel..Within 7 seconds the fire went out..I owe this to God..no other explanation for the fire to have went out..Unfortunately..I suffered severe 3rd degree burns to my chest and both arms ..and I was also sentenced to 10 years in the iowa state prison for manufacturing methampthemine..I know without any doubt the only reason that I am still alive is that God saved me from that fire that night. He had other plans for me. I have since dedicated my life to serving the Lord. This has been a process that I will not lie..Hasn't been automatic. Its been gradual..but every step of it has been wonderful. As I have gone along my journey..I have been paroled back home to Fla. and now reside here in Lakeland. I attend Church regulary at the First Baptist Church at the Mall where I am also a member of a group of men that meets on wed. nights called Wingman..and also attend a group called Hopegivers who are people who have loved ones incarcerated in the prisons..I also spend my time on Mondays and Wednesdays in Bartow..at a Recovery for Life meetings..when I first returned to fla..I was asked to share my testimony thereof what happened to me and how I came to know the Lord. I had made a promise with God while in prison that I would do whatever He asked. And I took this as Him asking..so I stood up and spoke..It was hard..but I did it. Since then I have had the opportunity to share my story several times at other locations. My story is compelling..Yes..i was a meth addict. a very serious addiction that is sweeping our society and our youth today. But my Lord and Savior found grace and saved me..And now He has called me to do His work. I am by no means not one who goes out and does something like this..but my walk with the Lord has grown in such a way..He has blessed me and I cannot deny Him. I feel led to do whatever it is He should ask me to do. The Lord has put it on my heart to share my story wherever I possibly can..to reach out to those still struggling with there addictions.. My ultimate goal is to become a drug counselor and reach out to our youths..and teach them about the dangers of drugs before they get hooked on them and also tell them that even a person like me..a recovering meth addict ..God loves enough to change and to show them the changes He has done in my life.Weather you believe in God or not..i am just following what God has asked me to do..Its a door I asked long ago to be opened..He has opened it and now I have stepped through it..To Him goes all the Glory!! god Bless!