Gene Williams has been to hell and back with addiction. Now, his mission is to help those who are struggling see what’s possible on the other side.
Gene Williams found himself serving a 30-day sentence in a county jail eight years ago for driving under the influence. In that moment, he made promises to himself and to God that he would never drink again.
Recovery wasn’t an easy road for Gene. He returned to work the next day but felt a shift. He started attending AA meetings, got a sponsor, and slowly began rebuilding his life step by step.
Gene’s struggle with alcohol started during his high school years, where drinking and drugs were a regular occurrence at weekend gatherings. This habit followed him into adulthood, impacting his life and success as a real estate agent and automotive shop partner. The voice in his head always had plans for the bar at five o’clock.
The decision to get sober meant losing friends. But as those relationships fell away, something remarkable happened: his bank account grew, his clarity returned, and new, authentic connections began to form. At Christian Kingdom Assembly, Gene found more than just a church; he found a mission. His pastor saw something in him – a leader, a beacon of hope for others struggling with addiction.
Today, Gene leads recovery meetings at the church, creating a judgment-free zone where people can find both spiritual guidance and practical support. “We’re here if you need somebody to talk to,” he says. “It’s a conversation, and we hope that during that conversation, you find a God of your own understanding and keep coming back.”
The success of these recovery meetings has inspired an even bigger vision. Gene and Christian Kingdom Assembly are in the early stages of establishing an empowerment center, a comprehensive community resource that will go beyond addiction recovery. The center will serve as a beacon of hope, offering shelter to those experiencing homelessness, providing vital addiction services, and creating educational opportunities through tutoring programs. While still in its planning phases, this initiative represents Gene’s philosophy of thinking big and dreaming bigger. “I’m a visionary,” he says with a smile. “I can’t think small.”
Looking back at his journey from that jail cell to community leader brings tears to his eyes. “I never would’ve thought that I would be here like this,” he says, fighting back tears. “But here we are, and God’s gonna make the best of it.”
His message to others struggling with addiction is simple but powerful: “Come over and see us. We’ll just love you. We’ll show you love and help you get stronger.”
“You can do it,” he insists. “You don’t have to give up. You don’t have to suffer. You can break away from all of the dead weight and do better for yourself.”Â
Have a story idea for Heartstrings? Email to: [email protected].
