“If we truly believe that God can change souls, we’ve got to turn to the Bible as the number one place to find help for hurting people,” Bower says.

He explains that real help begins at the level of the soul. Addiction, he says, reflects a broken pattern — one shaped by the world’s misplaced attempts at hope, healing, and purpose.

“Addiction is a pattern of this world. It’s a faulty pattern of where people try to find hope, help, and healing, but they’re mistaken,” says Bower.

While addiction may offer temporary relief, it leaves lasting damage — especially in the brain. Breaking free often requires significant effort and support. Yet Bower notes that even those who pursue secular counseling can still come away feeling empty: “People were still left without a purpose. They were left empty.”

Reading Bible (Photo courtesy of
Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash)

What’s missing is something only God can provide. What’s broken, only He can restore.

He recalls one man who grew up in the foster system, turned to drugs, and eventually landed in jail — angry, isolated, and without hope. But through consistent time in Scripture with The Lighthouse ministry, his life was transformed.

“Now he cares deeply for others — he pursues them when they’re struggling. He has a heart to help people change because he’s seen how much God has transformed his own heart. Today, he’s even on staff with me,” says Bower.

Bower emphasizes that true healing comes through turning away from destructive patterns and turning toward God. “A lot of healing in the addiction world is turning from and turning to the God who actually has the power to transform,” says Bower.

Pray for those trapped in harmful thought patterns that lead to addiction — that God would rescue and renew them. Pray, too, for Lighthouse ministry, that it would have the resources and opportunities needed to reach those still searching for hope.

Visit The Lighthouse website to learn more about the work they do.

Header photo: Man standing crossroads (photo courtesy of Vladislav Babienko via Unplash)

In 1993, while vacationing at his parent's ministry in Kingston, Jamaica, he turned his life over to Christ after struggling with alcohol and drug abuse.

Today, he is using his past to speak to the youth of England through his father's ministry, Luis Palau Association. Beginning April 16, Palau begins a 10-day trip, holding speaking in Tonbridge, Haywards Heath, Chesham, Brighton, Burgess Hill and Marlow, as well as at Gatwick's Tinsley House immigration removal centre.

Speaking on issues such as bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, Palau will be joined by a skateboard and bicycle stunt team, as well as musicians from the All Souls Orchestra.

"We are delighted Andrew is coming to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to people across southern England later this month. We are sure his talks, together with the action sports, music and other entertainment, will prove a big hit over the next few weeks," said Nigel Gordon of LPA.

This ministry and many similar ones are made possible thanks to your support. To begin or continue donating to Luis Palau, click here.