"Being a Law Enforcement Officer is a demanding, difficult and often lonely job. It carries a great risk, both emotionally and physically, for those who have dedicated their lives to it. As the Sheriff of Williamson County I am dedicated to providing the best service possible to our great county. Having someone like Corky French's talents to work with us is a great step in this direction. Because of this I encourage anyone who can to support this ministry in any way possible."
Sheriff Ricky Headley
Williamson County, Tennessee
"The 21st Drug Court has participants whose needs go way beyond treatment for their addiction to drugs and alcohol. Community Outreach Ministries has been a clearinghouse for our participants when they need help with finances, family problems or other crises. Corky French makes himself available for weekly spiritual groups and for special counseling to give the participants solutions, encouragement and hope. Our partnership with Community Outreach Ministries is a vital component of the success of the 21st Drug Court."
Gayle Moyer Harris
Director
21st Judicial Drug Court
“The marvel of healing broken lives is evidenced daily by the hands on involvement of COM with the addicts participating in the 21st Drug Court. The often never heard message of hope gives participants reason to engage in a journey to recovery."
Judge Tim Easter
21st Judicial Drug Court
To Whom It May Concern:
Do you remember when President John F. Kennedy asked Americans, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"? Well, when I began to ask not what God can do for me, but what can I do for God, my life changed.
I embarked upon my spiritual journey with a closed mind. To me, God was something I couldn't see, touch, hear, or speak to. Honestly, I did not have enough faith that God could use it to create a bridge from His heart to mine, that He could cross over to show His very existence to me. Then something happened. I asked God to help me become a faithful believer. No sooner had I asked, than a miracle began to happen in my life. I was becoming what I was destined to become Ð a Christian!
What I didn't know at the time was how much God wanted me. It seems to me now that he placed people in my life that would teach me and help me see who He is. Corky French, a minister who entwines himself in the life of our community, became my teacher. He saw the need for God in my heart and took the time to introduce me to a spirit driven life. Through Community Outreach Ministries, he had a chance to reach out to a group of people desperately in need of God, and change our lives.
When I was introduced to Corky, he knew instantly that I would challenge him. He also knew the power of God and its ability to work in people's lives. He had faith that God would work through him to reach people like me. In the end, I turned my life over to God! Once I saw the spirit flowing through Corky, I surrendered. His faith and the happiness he knew through God was all it took for me to change. I wanted what he had!
After my "come to Jesus" experience with God, I was given faith. I believed in God and His son, Jesus Christ. Now, I smile all the time. I have more confidence in life and I have no fear as to what will happen to me. I'm in love with God!
I fell in love with a spirit I could not see, hear, or touch, except through His presence in me, the people around me who believe in Him and through various ways He is showing Himself in other aspects of my life. When all of this happened, I reached the most pivotal point of my spiritual life thus far. I now surrender my life to God daily. I wake up every morning asking, "What can I do for you God?"
The most vicarious thing of it all is, I know that I no longer want something in return. I unselfishly want to become an expression of God's love for humanity simply by being alive and fulfilling the role God had intended me to play out my whole life. All I have to do is ask, "God, please help me to do your will." In return, since God loves me, all I ever expect to receive is more of God's love and the blissful feeling that I know I am doing the right thing.
If I had not been exposed to Corky, a minister who doesn't wait for people to come to him, but who steps outside of the church to reach lost souls like myself, I might never have come to be a believer in Christ. I am thankful for Corky and for Community Outreach Ministries.
Thank you God for loving me so much that you gave me the chance to have faith. Thank God that I met Corky, someone I could talk to and see your light shining through. Thank you God that I am able to receive the overwhelming love and greatness of You.
I am a believer in God and His son, Jesus Christ. I am Kevin Patrick Coughlin. I am a Christian of faith!
Kevin Patrick Coughlin
1st Drug Court graduate
