He discovered that by living in the Steps, he found a spiritual home for himself in SA.

I did not come because I was full of hope;

I came when I’d run out of ways to cope.

I did not come because I loved the Steps;

I came when my life was tangled, a mess.

I did not come with peace in my soul;

I came when I’d lost all control.

I came because nothing gave me rest

Because my best ideas had failed the test.

I found my disease in Step One’s light,

Saw the truth that ended my endless fight.

In Step Two, I found the will to believe

That God could do what I could not achieve.

In Step Three, I found the Power, the Way,

My new Employer—I’d work and obey.

In Step Four, I faced myself at last,

The wreckage, the chaos, the ghosts of my past.

The Steps reconnected me with humanity

As I saw my own spiritual malady.

My struggle was not only mine to bear,

But a human condition, ancient and rare.

In Step Nine, I walked with trembling feet,

To clean the past, to make amends complete.

I found humility, love, and grace,

And shared my story, face to face.

When selfishness called, I took God’s hand

To act, to serve, to finally understand.

I felt His love when mine was small,

And freedom came when I gave Him all and helped others.

I am here to pay the debt I owe,

To the one who helped my spirit grow.

I am here to serve the God who gave

A second chance beyond the grave.

I am here to pass the gift received

To any heart that still believes.

I am here to level pride and fear,

To die a little—and be reborn here.

I am here simply, humbly, clear

Because by God’s grace…

I belong here.