01/25/2026
Yesterday marked a profound milestone, our one-month anniversary of Yakima Valley Hope & Healing Fellowship . What a powerful, transformative morning it was. Emotions ran high as each person shared their stories, their struggles, and their hopes.
We delved into a compelling reflection from the Book of James, exploring the cycles of faith and deathāhow they intertwine and influence our journey toward sobriety. It was a day that reminded me why this work matters so deeply.
This fellowship started on January 3rd, and from that first moment, I knew we had something special. Each week, new faces show up, sometimes returning, sometimes not. But I believe that every person who steps through our doors walks away with something vital: a sense of fellowship, a feeling of not being alone.
One of the comments I hear most from newcomers is how free and open the meetings are. Yes, I introduce a topic, and yes, for those two hours, we have some structure. But ultimately, this space is about authenticity.
Itās about allowing everyone to be themselves, to speak openly, to seek hope in their own way.
We are a diverse group of people recovering from substance abuse, alcoholism, those battling active addiction, and even individuals who are victims, impacted by loved ones caught in the grip of addiction.
And yet, every week, our numbers grow because people are searching for connection, for healing, for truth.
Recently, I went to pay for our next meetingās rent, and someone anonymously donated enough to cover not only that session but the next one too. I donāt know who you are, and Iām not asking for donations. But to whoever is doing this, if you see this, please know how deeply grateful I am.
I go to every meeting with the money in hand, and to be able to pay before I even step inside is a blessing I canāt fully put into words.
When I started this journey, I knew I wanted to do something different. My salvation came through church, through Jesus Christ, and I found sobriety in Him.
I promised from the beginning that I wouldnāt force Christ on anyone.
This isnāt about religion, itās about relationship. And itās clear that many who come are hungry for more of Godās love, His truth, and His hope.
Thatās why, on our one-month anniversary, I led a biblical lesson. I even brought in an assistant pastor, Junior, to help guide us and ensure we stayed on the right path. To him, I say thank you. Your presence and wisdom mean the world.
Honestly, I donāt feel qualified for any of this. I donāt see myself as the reason people are staying sober or finding hope. Itās the commitment, the conviction, and the faith of those who show up, those who open their hearts to God, that truly makes the difference.
I share all this because Iāve always believed in helping our community. Reachin out to addicts, single moms doing their best but struggling to make ends meet, fathers burdened by court fees and responsibilities.
We donāt always know what battles people are fighting behind closed doors.
There are resources out there, yes. But too often, theyāre scattered, hard to find, or wrapped up in systems that donāt always serve those in need. Thatās why our fellowship was born, to be a stable, reliable source of hope in the lower valley, where so many feel forgotten or overwhelmed.
I donāt claim to have all the answers. Iām just a man called to do this work. I donāt do it for ego or money. Honestly, sometimes itās more of a headache than anything elseā¦lol but I know this is what I was meant to do.
And Iām excited to share this news: next week, we will officially be established as āYakima Valley Hope and Healing Foundationā. Weāre taking steps to grow, to serve more people, and to impact lives more deeply.
Whatās even more humbling is hearing that our little group has already begun to make waves in the community. When I went to buy coins for the next meeting, I was told that people are already talking about us, about this new gathering in Sunnyside and beyond. Itās not about fame or recognition; itās about the hope weāre spreading.
This isnāt just my story. Itās yours, too. If youāre reading this and you need help, if you want to help, remember those who once felt hopeless or unseen. Maybe youāve been too scared to seek help, or youāve felt judged because of your faith or your circumstances.
But I believe in this: as long as you believe Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, youāve already won. Thatās the foundation of hope, faith in something greater.
So, I invite you..regardless of your background or beliefs, to come alongside us. As Reverend James Joseph Slette II, I say with all sincerity:
āWe are the real deal.ā
Our mission isnāt for our glory but for His. Weāre simply trying to help people find their way, toward healing, toward hope, toward Jesus.
Wishing you a blessed Sunday. Remember, hope is alive in this community, and you are not alone.
God bless.
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