YBL Testimonies

I would like to share briefly with those my overcoming of addiction to prescription drugs while being under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Doug Owen and the Jackson MS chapter of YBL. My story is like most, I thought I had a problem with attention and went to a doctor to begin taking a powerful amphetamine called adderoll.

I was a sophomore in college then and begin using the drug as prescribed till I left college. After college, the economy being in the tank and jobs hard to find, I experienced job loss, bankruptcy and loss of trust by my own family. For that, I turned to taking even more of the powerful drugs to mask the pain of reality along with my hardened soul away. This led to an undeniable drug high manifest for what I think lasted almost 2 -3 years, I drifted from Town to Town and job after job until I finally decided to go back to my home town of Jackson MS.

A friend of mine at my work introduced me to Doug Owen whom after making contact with decided to setup a breakfast meeting with at the Cracker Barrel.

I have to admit that I have been surrounded all my life by well to do business men and coaches and advisers and honestly thought I had all the guidance and instruction on life that I was ever going to find on this earth. After all I was in fact a Christian whom was baptized at 11 years old. What I didn’t have was the fellowship of other Christian men.

On the morning I met Doug Owens, after visiting with him I begin to since that here was someone who spoke with authority and whom was well educated and perhaps someone who may be truly sincere in his endeavors.

I didn’t know at the time that I had what is known as the shakes and couldn’t be still. Doug saw this in me and knew immediately that I was at a major crossroad in my life. He invited me to come to a YBL meeting that met every Thursday from 12:00 to 1:00. I honestly was scared to commit to him for fear of not showing up because I didn’t really trust myself or count on myself enough to do so. Something about Doug and his calmness gave me enough trust to by in to his teaching of the bible. On the first meeting when I arrived I found what I couldn’t believe that there were exactly as stated Young Professionals whom were like me searching for truth. After the very first meeting of these Christian men it brought back something I had lost so long ago, fellowship with other Christians.

It wasn’t till after several meetings and much prayer that I began to feel I had the power to stop taking and abusing my prescription medication. Through YBL somehow the courage found me and the power to let go like magic appeared.

I think I probably crashed for what seems like 4 days when I came down off my meds, I did not call anyone nor return phone calls for days. I don’t think I will ever be free from addiction, but so far I have calmed down and feel better about myself than I have in almost 5 years.

Words can’t express how hard headed and stubborn I am and was, but let that serve as testimony to what Christ can and always will do for those whom believe and trust in him and his word. My plane was losing altitude fast and had it not been for such an organization like YBL and the leadership of Doug, I know I wouldn’t have had the strength to pull back on the yoke hard enough to level my plane out and start to climb again.

I don’t know what damage I have done to my physical body but I do know that I am and will be ready to go when my lord comes to call on me.

-Anonymous  

~ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ~

“I am 27 years old, divorced, with 2 children and have had a tough six months; but because of Doug Owen and YBL in the mist of all this madness I have found GOD and a little peace in this world. I truly believe I have grown more than I ever thought possible spiritually and emotionally since being introduced to YBL. I became a Christian and know where my place is in heaven by studies we have done in my short time in YBL. I am perfect, no, but it is exciting being involved with a group of guys that strive to be Christ-like. My life still has peaks and valleys I have just found a better way to handle them with Christ. A few months ago I told God I wanted to die. Instead of death He gave me life—He gave me Doug and YBL.”
- Clark Converse

“I was raised in a Christian, loving, caring family that taught me right from wrong. I was always involved in teen church activities, and nondenominational Christian organizations in high school…(However) I was 29 years old before I first picked up a Bible to read the word of God. It was a wonderful experience to know that God's words are written where I can easily understand them. I just never knew it was that easy to interpret. YBL taught me how to read a verse in the Bible, and analyze the words to get the meaning or perhaps multiple lessons that can come out one verse. It has made a tremendous difference in my life, and given me the ability to share the word of God with my family as well. It does in fact pertain to all of us, and I am now learning the teachings of Jesus from the stories in the Bible. I am reading the Book that should have come before hundreds that I have read to date. It will make me a better husband, father, businessman, and most importantly, a better Christian.”  
- Scott Bates.

“The message of YBL as I see it is to provide positive fellowship for men in Christ.  The lessons that I have taken from YBL have had a profound impact on my life, both personally and spiritually.  I am so thankful that God led me to this group of men.  I stand firm in the belief that YBL has a positive impact on the lives of the men who seek its ministry.  YBL has shown me that my relationship with God is permanent and unwavering.  It has also shown me that God calls upon me to strengthen my fellowship with him.  In joining with others who also seek this fellowship, I am strengthened.”  
- Max Tullos.

“I have been involved in Young Business Leaders for the last 4 ½ years.  I became involved by accident when I attended an event to hear the political speaker.  Since that time, I have attended a weekly Bible study for the past 4 years and now serve as Board Chairman of YBL.  It is difficult to describe in detail what I have gotten out of YBL, however, I can summarize it by saying that I have grown not only in my knowledge of God’s Word, but also what that means in daily business and family life.  I have worked hard to get others involved in YBL and will continue to do so in the future.  This organization is having a dramatic impact on the lives of Christian families in this area, and I hope it is able to do so for years to come.”  
- Joe Nosef

“I would first like to say thank you for bringing Young Business Leaders into my life. Had you not had a welcome station set up at Colonial Heights Baptist Church some two years ago during the men's conference featuring Patrick Morley, I might not be writing this letter! YBL has kept me accountable to myself, my wife, my children, but most of all, to God. Oblivious to just how easy it is to methodically attend church on Wednesday's and Sunday's, YBL gives me the opportunity during the week, to hear real-life, in-depth occurrences from men just like me; in the trenches. I am thankful in many regards for the impact that YBL has had on my life, but most of all for the fact that it is for every man! I have met and conversed with some great men in my time through YBL- Rod Barnes, Chris Snopek and Loren Roberts to name a few. The most exciting aspect of YBL is this: no matter what age, race, denomination, nationality or financial background you come from- it's for everyone! Not only is there a place and need for men in YBL there is also a place and need for YBL in men.”   
- Roddy Bridges.