Pubdate: Wed, 25 May 2005 Source: Tribune Star (Terre Haute, IN) Copyright: 2005 Tribune-Star Publishing Co. Inc. Contact: http://www.tribstar.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/448 Author: Joanne Hammer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) FORMER METH ADDICT TURNED PASTOR SHARES STORY OF ESCAPING DRUG'S GRASP A former methamphetamine addict brought a message of hope and healing to Terre Haute on Sunday. Leavelle Irving, a 1981 Terre Haute South Vigo High School graduate, spoke to church members and visitors at Salt of the Earth Worship Centre, sharing his message of freedom. "I was messed up," said Irving, 43, who is now a pastor at El Bethel Word of Truth Worship Center in Pensacola, Fla. "It takes your life and changes the way you think." Irving began using marijuana when he was about 14 years old and later began using PCP, acid and methamphetamine, he said. "I was considered a halfway decent young man, but when I used dope I became vicious," he said. During Irving's sophomore year at Terre Haute South, school officials asked him to leave because of his rebellion and involvement in drugs. While there, he instigated a raciallymotivated riot at the school. Irving changed and was able to stay and finish high school. Irving then attended Penola Junior College in Dallas, but was expelled after robbing a jewelry store. Although he was sentenced to 10 years probation, the NCAA recruited him to play basketball at Paine College in Augusta, Ga. If he stayed off drugs for one year, his nine years of probation would be revoked, they said. But before he graduated, he was involved in drugs and was expelled from college for a second time. "I lived to get high and got high to live," Irving said. After he left Georgia and returned to Terre Haute in 1985, Irving had what he described as "an encounter with God" at his parents' home. "Life has never been the same and that's why I believe what I believe," Irving said. Irving went to the Hamilton Center, but did not use any medication to help him get off the drug, said Irving's mother, Mary Irving. While in the rehabilitation center, he began helping others who were there. Tom Simmons, Salt of the Earth Worship Centre senior pastor, invited Irving to share his story in Terre Haute after they met at an event last year. When the two began talking, they realized they went to the same high school at the same time. The similarities they shared also evolved around meth - Irving had personally experienced the ravages of the drug while Simmons was watching it destroy his city. Irving's parents, the Rev. Charles and Mary Irving of Terre Haute said they never stopped praying and talking to their son. "I can say he's truly blessed from where the Lord brought him," Mary said. "He almost sold his soul to the devil but now he is truly rooted and grounded in the Word of God." Two members in Sunday's crowd also were former methamphetamine addicts. "It was the hardest thing to overcome," said Chad Tooloose, of Terre Haute. "I would cash my check on Friday and not come home until Sunday." After using meth, the 6-feet 4-inch man dropped from 175 pounds to 155 pounds. One day, Tooloose came home after taking a line of crystal meth. His wife Christy asked if he wanted to go to church and he sarcastically said yes. There a woman shared her life story and it struck a chord in Tooloose because his life was similar. "God changed my life," he said simply. But even though he is changed, he says it is not easy. Tooloose experiences migraines and nosebleeds from his past drug use and some days he can smell and taste the drug. "It hurts knowing people are still out there who are affected," said Tooloose, who speaks at youth rallies and hopes to share his message with youth while they are young so they do not get hooked on the drug. "The Almighty God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. If he set people free then, he can do it today." - --- MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman