Summary

SummaryI grew up feeling lost and unsupported, getting into fights as a kid and struggling to fit in. After high school, my parents encouraged me to join the military, and I was sent to Okinawa, Japan, where drinking and reckless behavior quickly became my world. Back home, I worked late nights at a tattoo shop, medicated with prescriptions and booze, and spiraled into addiction. Years of failed attempts to start over ended in jail and a broken spirit—I even tried to hang myself in a cell. But in that darkest hour, a guard reached out and walked with me through the night, guiding me to write a hope-filled letter to my son and seek help. Then a voice shattered my despair, and I spent days reading the Bible until I passed out, only to wake up reading again until I couldn’t deny Jesus’ reality. Facing court, I felt an overwhelming peace, and the judge offered me a second chance if I changed. I was baptized, experienced the love and acceptance I’d always craved, and started a ministry with fellow believers. Today, I stand free from addiction, walking in new life and purpose 😊🙏

John Tompkins struggled growing up to find a place he felt accepted. After joining the military he found a place he felt that he belonged, however, that place was filled with temptations and unhealthy, toxic living. He found himself honorably discharged due to an injury and was being given medication for his injury that eventually turned into trouble for him. After ten years he felt that he was stuck in the same hopelessness day in and day out and felt that he couldn’t go on, after an attempt to take his life he felt that he could find hope in Jesus. He chose to spend time learning more about him and eventually found true peace and freedom.

John’s story could be like so many and we hope it will reach others who might find themselves in hopelessness.

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Time Chapters
 
02:01 Joining military
04:08 Deepest despair
05:55 Encounter with God
07:58 Courtroom peace
09:05 New ministry start
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Hear My Story Co
Hear My Story is a non-profit organization designed to spread hope and promote healing through the art of storytelling. We partner with everyday people and incredible organizations to tell the stories the world needs to hear. We believe something powerful happens in identification. When you hear the story of someone who has gone through similar experiences, trauma or pain it plants a seed of hope in your heart to know you are not alone in this big crazy world. Got a story? We'd love to share it.
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