A Call to Serve: How God Led Me to the Central Texas Treatment Center and Changed Lives

At CHH Austin, the monthly Christian artist ministry I lead, we gather creatives from all backgrounds who share a passion for using their talents to glorify God. It’s a place where artists can connect, share their ministries, and offer one another support and collaboration. One month, we had a special guest, Chad Jackson, an incredible man whose story of redemption has inspired countless people in our community. Known around Georgetown for his gold grill, tattoos, Cadillac and a past colored by drinking and drugs, Chad has transformed his life completely. Today, he’s a Georgetown legend, known to the police and judges alike—not for a criminal record, but for his service to the city, especially to those fighting battles he once faced himself.

During our meeting, we went around the room, allowing each person to share a bit about their ministry. When it was Chad’s turn, he told us about his work at the Central Texas Treatment Center (CTTC) in Granger, Texas, a place for individuals with substance abuse issues who’ve been given a chance to complete a 6-8 month rehabilitation program instead of serving prison time. Chad has been visiting CTTC every Monday night, leading Bible studies and helping people grow in their faith. He mentioned that he was looking for more help to serve and mentor these individuals.

I’ll be honest—I was a bit zoned out during Chad’s talk, lost in my own thoughts. But I caught the last part when he said, “If anyone’s free on Monday nights and wants to come, let me know.” No one volunteered right away, and I felt a tug on my heart. Leading by example is something I deeply value, so I volunteered, even though I didn’t fully know what I was signing up for.

The next morning, Monday, I texted Chad to get more details about what I’d be doing. He sent me the address, and when I saw it was nearly an hour’s drive away, I thought, What did I get myself into? But I’d already committed, so I got ready and made the drive, a mix of nerves and anticipation stirring within me.

When I arrived, Chad gave me the rundown. We had to sign in, show our IDs, and go through a briefing about the facility rules—no touching, no cell phones, and a reminder that this was a government facility. As we walked in, I felt the weight of the environment. Around 60 individuals, men and women of all ages, sat in a large circle, waiting for us to start. We began with worship, using a small TV and PA speaker. Then, we transitioned into a Bible study, diving into the Word and sharing God’s truth with people who were searching for hope, love, and purpose, just like the rest of us.

As we wrapped up and headed out, I heard someone call out a name from down the hall—"Rosie." It stopped me in my tracks. “Rosie” was a nickname from middle school, one I hadn’t heard in years. I turned around and saw a familiar face, a guy named Cass, a dear friend I hadn’t seen in a long time. Cass wasn’t in the Bible study because he had chosen to attend the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting instead, but we talked briefly, and I invited him to join the Bible study next week to hang out with me. To my surprise, he agreed.

Now, seeing Cass there was no coincidence. Months earlier, I’d had a dream about him—a dream I’d documented because I believe God often speaks to me through dreams. In this dream, I was discussing faith with a mutual friend, inviting him to church or bible study. Cass overheard us, and laughing, he said he’d rather die than step foot in a church. It was a painful dream, but now, here we were, in a setting I never expected, and Cass was open to joining the Bible study.

The following week, Cass followed through and came to the study. Week after week, he kept coming, often sitting with his arms crossed, silent and skeptical. But slowly, I saw his heart begin to soften. He went from sitting in silence to participating, eventually singing praises to God and sharing his thoughts about faith. His transformation was powerful. By the end of his time at CTTC, Cass was talking about how God was on his side and how he wanted to attend church once he was released.

When Cass finally graduated from the CTTC program, I had the honor of picking him up and taking him to lunch. I witnessed the joy in his eyes as he reunited with his son and stepped back into his life with a renewed sense of purpose. Because of that dream, I knew God wanted me at CTTC, if only for Cass. But over the months, I’ve come to realize that He has even greater plans for me there.

Chad and I now go to CTTC every other Sunday night, and we’ve assigned some friends to lead the other two Sundays, while Chad and I cover Monday nights. Week after week, we encounter men and women whose lives are in the midst of being transformed. Some come in hardened and hurt, but as they hear about Jesus, as they see His love in action, they begin to open up. People who were once hopeless are now finding purpose, joy, and peace in their relationship with God.

One of the most incredible things about serving at CTTC is witnessing the sheer power of the Gospel to change lives. Many of the people we’ve ministered to have accepted Jesus, and it’s amazing to see how the Holy Spirit works within them. Some start off skeptical, arms crossed and closed off, and leave with a heart full of hope and a desire to live a new life. Each time I’m there, I’m reminded that God’s love reaches to the deepest places, even those society often overlooks.

Through this journey, I’ve come to see that when we step out in obedience, God does incredible things. I almost missed out on this opportunity because I wasn’t fully paying attention at that CHH Austin meeting. But God had other plans, leading me to volunteer, guiding me to connect with Cass, and opening doors for ministry at CTTC. Now, Cass is out, working hard, and rebuilding his life, and I’m grateful to have been part of his journey. And he’s just one of many.

Each person we meet at CTTC has a story, a past, and wounds they’re trying to heal from. And through our Bible studies, worship, and fellowship, we’re able to share with them the love and grace of Jesus Christ. It’s a blessing to watch people find freedom—not just physical freedom as they work through the program, but spiritual freedom as they encounter God.

I often think back to that initial meeting with Chad and the unexpected commitment I made. It’s been a life-changing experience, one that continues to grow my own faith and strengthen my calling to serve. God knew that Cass—and so many others—needed us there, and He orchestrated every step of the way.

Today, I thank God for the opportunity to serve, for the lives we’ve touched, and for the incredible transformations we’ve witnessed. From people crossing their arms in skepticism to lifting their voices in praise, we’ve seen God at work in miraculous ways. And as for Cass, he may have started his journey skeptical of God, but he finished it with a renewed spirit, a desire to go to church, and a heart filled with God’s love.

This experience has taught me that serving isn’t always convenient, comfortable, or predictable. Sometimes it means an hour-long drive to an unknown place, stepping into an unfamiliar environment, or volunteering without fully knowing what you’re getting into. But when God calls, He has a purpose far beyond our understanding. And through our obedience, He changes lives—ours included.

I’m looking forward to many more Sundays and Mondays at CTTC, knowing that each encounter, each conversation, and each prayer we share is part of God’s bigger plan. Lives are being transformed, people are finding Jesus, and hearts are being healed. I’m honored to be part of it, and I can’t wait to see what God will continue to do in this ministry.

Left - Mike servin and his wife. / Right - Chad and Me