Ryan Austin: The Path to Recovery and a Passage to God

Today marks nearly five months of sobriety for me. It's a milestone that carries immense weight, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of redemption, and passage to God. 

I'm the House Manager at 335, a title that now holds profound significance in my journey. But my path to this point has been anything but smooth. I've battled demons of sexual abuse, mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, traversed the depths of despair, and tried every escape except for fentanyl. Born and raised in St. Louis, my life was a cacophony of struggles, from difficult family affairs to nights spent on my dad's couch and even the desolation of skid row.

Music became my refuge, I came to Los Angeles with just $70 and a laptop. Yet, amidst the melodies, the specter of addiction loomed large. Since 2018, I've grappled with the vice of smoking, a habit that threatened to consume me entirely.

But amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of Steve Fleming. We crossed paths through a mutual friend, and though initially hesitant, I found myself reaching out to him in desperation. He extended a lifeline, inviting me to God's Property, a sanctuary I wasn't ready for at the time. Yet, a year later, as things spiraled out of control, I knew I needed help. I made the call, and Steve answered, unconditionally welcoming me back into his fold. With a simple gesture like arranging an Uber, he rescued me from the clutches of addiction.

For three years now, Steve has been a pillar of support in my life. During the tumult of Covid, he ensured I received vaccinations, a testament to his care and compassion. He embodies empathy, understanding, and genuine kindness, traits that set him apart in the realm of addiction recovery. 

As the steward of God's Property, Steve leads with an open heart and profound understanding. He sees beyond the surface, relating to each individual with compassion and insight. His own experiences lend credence to his wisdom, and his intuition guides him in helping others navigate their own journeys to sobriety.

Under his leadership, I've found not just a job, but a calling to becoming a Deacon. I look up to Steve in more ways than one, a father figure, grateful for his mentorship, his unwavering support, and his commitment to a cause greater than himself. He doesn't just fill beds; he saves lives, one soul at a time. And for that, I am eternally grateful. Today, as I celebrate 5 months of sobriety, I do so with a profound sense of gratitude for the man who helped me find my way back to myself and God.

By Jose Manuel Anderson

Edited by Ryan Austin