About Us

Joe:
Hi, my name is Joe. I'm a grateful believer in Jesus Christ, and a recovering drug addict who struggles with sexual addiction, and chemical dependency.

I grew up in a Christian family, but my family life was far from being perfect. I discovered masturbation at an early age of 9, and that became my first addiction. In fifth grade, I discovered online pornography, which further fueled my lustful thought life.

At the end of my first semester in college, I tried marijuana for the first time. Being high on pot was an effective way to escape reality, and soon it became my reality. I then started experimenting with harder drugs, including cocaine and crystal meth. My drug lifestyle continued through my forth year in college, using whatever I could get my hands on. I was introduced to the pain killers morphine and oxycodene, and snorting those drugs seemed like the only way I could numb the reality of what had become of my life. I spent my last semester at college locked up in my room getting high on Oxycontin.

I moved back home with my parents in May of 2005, and started attending NewSong North Orange County in November of that year; there, I found a community that could love and support me. In August, 2006, I went to the Recovery Summit at Saddleback Church with members from NewSong, marking the beginning of my recovery process. Since then, I completed my first round of the 12-step book and regularly attend MercyWalk on Wednesday nights. I have been clean and sober from drugs since January of 2006 and experience God’s healing and mercy on a daily basis.

Hogan:
Hi, my name is Hogan and I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who is recovering from abuse, addictions, codependency, health issues and divorce.

My parents came to the U.S. when I was one. Adjusting to life here took its toll. My father resorted to drinking, smoking, adultery and fits of rage. My sister and I would hide in the closet, terrified that our father would beat us after he was done beating our mom. I led this double life. In school I received straight A’s and awards. At home my father would remind me that I was not smart, never good enough.

Fortunately, my mom was around to provide love and support. She would tragically pass away from lung cancer during my senior year in high school. I reluctantly attended college, where I drank to the point of addiction, experimented with drugs, had physical relationships and drove recklessly to the edge of suicide…anything to escape the pain.

During junior year in college I tried to piece my life together, but my world came crashing down…again. I contracted Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that ensues in paralysis and in some instances death. My limbs atrophied to the point where I could not walk or brush my teeth. I eventually recovered to 70%, but will forever remain limited physically. Given a second chance I recommitted my life to Christ (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

After college I visited Korea and was “set up” with a girl. After a few dates our parents agreed that we should get married. We were married for nine years and had three children until our divergent values, beliefs and ambitions became overwhelming.

Since attending MercyWalk two years ago, I have discovered that my life is not defined by past hurts or valleys of depression. My life is defined by God and the heights at which He uses my tragic experiences to encourage others to not make the same mistakes. Through my trials and suffering, I have learned that they are not punishments from God, rather tests to stretch my faith and to grow complete in Him (James 1:4).

Sunup:
My name is Sunup and I am a grateful believer in Christ who is recovering from grief, sex and alcohol addiction, and I am a survivor of sexual abuse.

I grew up in the church and in what people would describe as the, “Perfect Christian Home”. What I experienced in my childhood, however, was far from perfect. At the age of seven I was introduced to pornography and then molested by a trusted family friend. More than just a horribly distorted initiation into sexuality, I learned at a young age how to emotionally shut down and live a secret life. This only got worse in my adolescent years when my father developed a mysterious illness that left him bedridden, in excruciating physical pain, and near death.

For most of my adolescent to young adult life, my father’s health problems, served as a kind of spiritual health barometer. When his health was good, I was encouraged in my faith, getting baptized, and even serving on staff at my old church. In the time periods when his health was unstable, I became discouraged about myself and my faith, and my days were filled with depression, suicidal thoughts, lustful behaviors, and chemical dependency, all while living a near-seamless double life as the, "model Christian".

Things eventually came to a head in my mid 20’s when a string of events including the passing of my father, the passing of my childhood friend, and the end of an unhealthy relationship brought me to my rock-bottom. While in the act of taking my life one Wednesday morning, I cried out to God and He met me. I made my way to a MercyWalk meeting that night. For the first time in my life, I came completely clean, and although it was terrifying at first, I came to know a freedom like I had never known previously. The sense of acceptance, accountability, and God’s healing touch in community was amazing!

Since then to now, it has been a bumpy yet incredible journey, constantly marked by God’s goodness and faithfulness as He carries me through each sobriety checkpoint and calls me to a life of greater purpose. I’m far from perfect, but I hold tightly to the promises in Matthew 6:33 and also Psalm 23, and I see now that He doesn’t waste a hurt and that He desires to redeem all of me and my story and use it for His glory and to bless others.