Want to be inspired and encouraged to live out your faith in the world you inhabit between Sundays? Meet Rod Cook--successful contractor, husband, father, relatively new Christian, recovering addict/alcoholic. God is using his skills and abilities, including his brokenness, to reach souls for eternity. When that still small voice called him, Rod said , "Yes."   

A year and a half ago, Rod felt God speaking to him about building a home where recovering addicts and alcoholics could be housed—a place where he could share the love of Jesus. Although it meant huge personal sacrifices such as taking out a loan on his private residence, fighting through the maze of Calaveras County regulations and power needs, along with occasional discouragement--not to mention convincing his wife--Rod persevered because he trusted God to provide. Rod lives by the scripture found in Psalm 40: 1-3. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”

Today "Men of Integrity" houses eight to ten men in a spacious building set on five acres in Valley Springs, California. It is a sober living environment where Bible study and prayer are part of the daily routine. Rod has learned many valuable lessons along the way, not the least of which concerns the need for strict adherence to rules, accountability, curfews, and mandatory meetings. Some of the men come through the legal system, while others are referred from churches or transitional homes in San Joaquin County. Often, they have less than thirty days sobriety and need constant monitoring. The challenges of balancing this type of environment are enormous.

Yet, God continues to mold Rod, using his strong leadership skills to train, mentor, and assist men to find their way in a world filled with temptation. In Rod’s words, Christians often get too comfortable with their salvation. We forget that it was bought with a price. Following Christ’s example sometimes means following Him into places where our faith is tested. God can be trusted to provide. Just ask Rod.