Dove Award-winning artist Joseph Habedank, accompanied by Country Music Hall of Famer Jimmy Fortune, recently took a meaningful detour during the Gaither Caribbean Cruise to make a positive impact. The duo visited Centro De Rehabilitacion Cristo Transforma, a rehabilitation center in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, where they had the special opportunity to share their testimonies with a small group of attendees.
Reflecting on the experience, GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Joseph Habedank expressed, “I’ve had the privilege of telling my story at every concert event for the last decade, but this one was special. On the outside, I have very little in common with these special people: we live in different countries with different backgrounds and do not even speak the same language. However, we have Jesus in common. The power of His grace and redemption reaches far beyond the borders of any country or language barriers and has touched their lives the same way it touched mine. It was an honor to encourage them, even briefly, in their walk to long-term sobriety.”
The visit to Centro Cristo Transforma was orchestrated by Wayne Duley, a former member of the Gaither road crew who now works at the facility in the Dominican Republic. The non-profit ministry, rooted in Christian principles, is devoted to reaching, treating, and restoring individuals trapped in drug use, abuse, and addiction. Additionally, the ministry is committed to educating and researching the problem of drug addiction.
Habedank emphasized, “While addiction is a prevalent issue touching the lives of so many Americans, the struggles are not limited to any one country, demographic, race, or gender. God can use these trials to reach the lost and hurting, and make them receptive to the Gospel. It’s a common bond we can use to let them know that each and every one of us is in need of God’s grace in our lives.”
