05/19/2026
Today we want to recognize and celebrate Justin Vallery for completing the Lifehouse – DeQuincy Campus.
I have had the honor of being by Justin’s side since the beginning of his journey. This journey started over two years ago when his mother contacted me trying to get Justin some help. Eventually, Justin got locked up and entered the Inside Out Recovery Program inside the Vernon Parish Jail.
After completing the program, he went on to prison for the next year or so before eventually being released. I can still remember sitting down at Catfish Hut talking about the next step of his journey. The decision was made — Lifehouse would be the next step.
Over the next several weeks Justin experienced obstacles, resistance, and challenges, but he never lost focus of the mission. Off he went to Lifehouse University in Donaldsonville. When the opportunity came, he transitioned to the newly opened DeQuincy campus with Lifehouse Director Reggie.
Since then, I have watched Justin get a job, keep a job, push through difficult moments, and step up as a leader to help other men still in the program. One of the most meaningful moments was watching him come back into the Inside Out Recovery Program at the Vernon Parish Jail to share his testimony with current participants — giving back in the very place where his recovery journey truly began.
Then on May 17th, I had the honor of watching Mr. Vallery walk across the platform and graduate. During his graduation speech, he shared a powerful message about perseverance and not quitting, encouraging the other participants to keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles come their way.
“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” — Galatians 6:9
The moral of the story is simple: Don’t give up. Keep pushing through. Stay focused on the mission. It will pay off.
We are proud of you Justin and excited to see what God continues to do in your life moving forward.