Month: October 2021

Roger D. Washington

Graduate Spotlight

Roger graduated from Straight Street Restoration Center in September, 2012. Even though he had been taught the tools of godly living while at Straight Street, Roger chose to make poor choices.  On November 5, 2015, Roger surrendered his life to Jesus Christ.  Jesus delivered Roger from alcoholism while sitting in a jail cell after receiving a DWI.  Beginning then, Roger went “back to the basics;” he used the tools he had been taught at The Street and stayed focused on Jesus day by day.  One step at a time, he began to build a life of godly choices.

Roger spent lots of time at SSRC.  Early in 2017, Roger came on staff as an Evening Shift Ministry Attendant, and served through 2018.  For the next couple of years, he ministered to his parents through relationships that Jesus had completely restored. In 2020, Roger returned to serve in the ministry when he joined Damascus Home of Redwater as a member of the Board of Directors.   He also makes time for the residents at SSRC, is volunteer groundskeeper for the Damascus Home Resale Store in Texarkana, TX and all-around good hand wherever he is needed.  Beyond that, Roger spends much of his free time ministering to senior citizens and widows in his hometown of Atlanta, TX. 

Roger has been married to Janet for nearly 5 years, is the father of Ben and Jon and the stepfather of Jason and Justin.  Roger and Janet are active members of Redwater First Baptist Church.  Roger will be sober 6 years November 5, 2021. Roger and Janet are active members of Redwater First Baptist Church.

Since the day Jesus delivered him, he hasn’t even had the desire to drink, for which he gives all the credit to the Lord Jesus Christ.  All glory to God!

Tucker Long

Graduate Spotlight

Living the Christian Life: June 2017 to Present

The Lord used my time at Straight Street Restoration Center to ground me in His Word, learning what it means to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. During the 18 months there, the Lord began leading me towards full-time professional ministry. He graciously opened the door for me to attend LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas to study Christian Ministry. I enrolled at LeTourneau in the Fall of 2018, going straight from the Street down to LeTourneau in Longview. I have been at LeTourneau since. I’m now in my senior year! The Lord has graciously given me many joys and celebrations, as well as mercifully sustained me through many trials and difficulties. He gave me the opportunity to serve with a Christian organization in Lebanon, teaching English to Syrian refugee children in the summer of 2019. He also gave me the opportunity to serve with the same organization in New York City in the summer of 2021, while I was initially prevented from returning overseas due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Lord has also given me several opportunities to preach and teach His Word in different churches in the Longview area, including at the college group of my home-church here. I believe that the Lord is calling me into pastoral ministry, with missions possibly involved somehow. I’m not sure what exactly this looks like yet. Now, I am seeking the Lord about what He wants me to do after I graduate from LeTourneau this upcoming May, 2022, Lord willing. I am considering attending seminary for further theological and ministerial training, but I have not made any firm decision yet. I am excited to see what the Lord will do next!