Released 7 November 2007
From Despair to Hope, One Man's Journey to The Salvation Army
Everyone deserves a second chance. For thirty years Eric Draper wasted multiple opportunities at a second chance on life. Thirty years of drug and alcohol use consumed the very essence of his identity, even isolating him from his children for eleven years. Known as "Popeye" to the dealers and users on the street, he came to Greenville, Mississippi looking for a change and hoping for a brighter future.
Living with a disabled aunt and caring for her needs, Eric Draper, began hanging out with the dealers and users in the neighborhood around his aunt's house. As the health of his aunt declined, the years of drug and alcohol abuse also began taking their toll on Eric as well. No longer able to care for himself, Eric Draper and his aunt moved into an assisted living center in Greenville.
After six months the city health inspectors condemned the assisted living center and Eric Draper was put out on the street with no place to go. Finding refuge at a community homeless shelter, he began to reflect back upon the wasted chances of his life. It was also at the shelter that Draper was introduced to The Salvation Army and Sergeant Rick Boone and soldier Evdredge Hollins. Each week The Salvation Army would provide devotions to clients of the shelter and Eric Draper began to attend.
Sensing that "I had rehab in me I cried to God and He (God) said ‘do I have your attention," Eric Draper recalled. Taking that message from God, Eric Draper remembered Sergeant Boone and Evdredge Hollins and sought help escaping drugs and alcohol at The Salvation Army.
Through the care and support of The Salvation Army, Eric Draper is no longer referred to as "Popeye" but simply as Eric. Now almost twelve months clean and sober, Eric Draper has something else that controls his life. "It is now time to follow God," he said. An adherent of The Salvation Army, Eric Draper is working towards Soldiership and service to God. Recently this new start opened the door for Eric Draper to see his children for the first time in eleven years.
God continues to do wonderful things through the ministry of The Salvation Army in Greenville, from feeding the hungry, teaching the children, to addiction support groups the future in Greenville is getting brighter.