Mike Sandlin is a small town boy, former U.S. Marine and police officer whose teenage years were filled with rebellion and alcohol use. His introduction to drugs during his stint in the military eventually escalated to a lifestyle of self-destruction. More often than he can remember, he nearly died as he sought comfort in the use of pills, needles and inhalants. Before long, drugs and alcohol were not only destroying his life, but also the lives of those around him. Failed marriages, attempted suicides, jail and close ties with drug kingpins and pimps eventually became part of his daily life.
As decadent as his past life may seem, Mike was able to turn things around. He found answer to his freedom from addictions in a place where most people never look. Through faith and determination, Mike now shares not only his story, but also his joy of recovery and redemption.
E-Mail Mike: msandlin64(at)gmail.com
Did you ever say, "Wow, I wonder where that week went?"
Back in 1998, it seemed that I awoke from a bad nightmare of 32 years of long, dark, depressing, hopeless days blurred together. My only hope - each night - was to overdose and not wake up and face another day of hell right here on earth.
The good news is I met Jesus in '98 and I found the best high there is - in Jesus! I get up each morning, actually looking forward to another day. And now I actually have feelings for other people - and yes even for myself. The Lord is using my screwed up past to give others hope that if God can help me, then He will help them, also.
At age 12, all I heard every Sunday was I would go to hell if I didn't change, so I quit going to church and thought I'd have fun on my way there - 'to hell.'
In 1965, I joined the Marine Corps at age 17. It was then I smoked pot for the first time. Of course, I was never going to become an addict, but I didn't quit drugs until '98 . . . After four years in the Marines I got a job as a sheriff's deputy. I worked as an undercover narcotics agent. Later on I got a job as a corporate security officer for a large pharmaceutical company with 1200 stores - another great job for a junkie.
The only reason I didn't shoot myself was because I'd seen too many suicides while in law enforcement. Each one was eerie and depressing. I would volunteer for the highest crime areas - Detroit for a year then to Atlanta, Cleveland, etc. Then I could die in the line of duty. My other possible escape was to overdose. By now I was taking 23 pain pills per day. I was also shooting, snorting, or swallowing a vast assortment of other drugs until I'd pass out at night. On really bad nights, I'd play Russian Roulette.
The only reason I'm alive today is because my mother and aunt prayed for me for 30 years. So never give up on anyone, because God doesn't!
I would always work the ghetto stores with the most armed robberies. I had many close calls, and was even stupid enough to get shot and decorated for valor in '73. This was a real joke because inside I was always scared, alone, and miserable . . . and always drugged out. I just wanted someone to kill me and end my miserable existence. I (at that time) knew hell couldn't be any worse than facing another day.
In 1977, I got on a police department until 1981, when I was finally busted on a drug felony. In the mid-80s, I was involved in drug distribution in Florida when I got felony #2 for 'shooting into an occupied motor vehicle.' Not to mention shooting cocaine many times a day.
In the mid 90s, I was still wanting to die and began to wonder why I was still alive. Over the years I had tried every drug, woman, and violence - but still felt empty and worthless. I tried Buddhism, Satanism, Hinduism, etc. Nothing was working to help me so I decided to go to different churches each week and see if there was any hope there, because I'd tried about everything else.
About 50 churches later, I came into my church and heard about a Jesus who loved me just as I was. I had never heard of His unconditional love and figured this was another cult. So I came back to prove this church was a liar, but instead Jesus opened His arms and loved me enough to help me change, because I couldn't do it on my own without Him.
After 32 years of all the wrong choices, for the first time I made the best choice of my life and asked Jesus to come into my heart.
In my old lifestyle I couldn't wait to get my buddies high on a real good drug I'd find. Now, I share with them about the best high there is - in Jesus - who loves us just as we are now. Jesus will show us a love and peace that will take us away from the fear and pain of each day and bring us out of the darkness. Not only that, but He will give us a new life, future, and love that is totally different than our past!!
I Timothy 1:12-17, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who had given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."
If Jesus can use a 32-year drug addict and two-time felon to help others find hope, just imagine what He will do with your life. If everything else has let you down and it feels like something is missing and the emptiness in your heart is still there, why not ask Jesus to help. If you do, He will show you the most awesome love you could ever dream of.
In May of 2002 I started having dizzy spells and these were not drug related, ha. The doctors test found that I have a class 3 malignant brain tumor that is non operable. The good news is, I often wondered if I had a brain, and now I had written proof! You can't have a brain tumor without a brain, ha ha.
The best news of all is what Paul talks about in the peace that passes all understanding. When things are going okay, it's easy to believe. But when it is the real deal, and you still believe and feel that total peace when things aren't going good you know beyond a doubt that it is real! This gives you comfort and total peace and each day is a gift and a blessing and a chance to help others.
I am so thankful for the last several years of having Jesus and I am so blessed. Jesus has brought me peace and led me to caring for others. For the first time in my life I can't lose. You see, to live is Christ and to die is gain. I wouldn't trade these years with Jesus for anything. I thank God for all of my brothers and sisters in Christ who have always been there as a family and showed me the love of Jesus. Thank you and God Bless.
Your Bro in Christ,
Mike Sandlin
He is waiting for you to make the best decision you will ever make in your life. Without Jesus you will never find true happiness. People will let you down. HE WON'T!
If you would like to have Jesus in your life it is a simple prayer in Romans 10:9-11. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead you will be saved and the Holy Spirit will come into your life. Just by saying this simple prayer and meaning it totally.
Father I come to you now to ask your forgiveness for the wrong I've done. My way isn't working. Jesus, I know you died for me and are in Heaven now. I ask you Jesus to come into my heart and help me to change and be that person you want me to be. Amen
Your brother in Christ, Mike.
If you have any questions, or want more information, please send E-mail to msandlin64(at)gmail.com or call 937-667-1069, voice mail ext. 464. You can write to Mike at:
Mike Sandlin
Ginghamsburg Church
6759 S County Road 25A
Tipp City OH 45371
Visit the Ginghamsburg website at http://ginghamsburg.org.
Mike also gives inspirational talks at schools, churches, prisons, and small groups.
Copyright © 2005 Mike Sandlin. All rights reserved.