During this Christmas week, we are presenting stories that give you something to smile about – stories of people who have made remarkable turnarounds.
What You Need To Know
- Gordon Cuthbertson leads faith-based transition house
- He helps men like John Arnold, who has battled alcoholism
- SEE ALSO: From homeless to helping: Man, wife turn lives around through faith, giving
When people have been in some serious trouble with the law or they have addiction problems that have destroyed their lives, they need a helping hand. That is exactly what Polk County businessman Gordon Cuthbertson is doing for men like John Arnold.
Gordon Cuthbertson leads a daily Bible study at a faith-based transition house he funds for men recently out of jail or rehab.
“Man’s sorrow is guilt and it doesn’t bring about salvation," he said. "It brings about condemnation."
Cuthbertson believes faith is a big key to a life turnaround, so there is lots of scripture reading.
After Bible study, he heads to the other part of the rehab effort.
“We buy houses — most of them are abandoned," he said.
Cuthbertson fixes and flips houses and hires lots of his men in transition to do the work.
Inside one of the houses is Arnold. Cuthbertson paid for John to attend a strict rehab center in New Orleans to deal with his alcoholism.
When Spectrum Bay News 9’s Rick Elmhorst visited them, they were measuring for a kitchen wall panel.
It was a tour for Gordon on the progress fixing up the house.
Gordon Cuthbertson, back, leads a recent Bible session.
As for Gordon’s progress on fixing up Arnold — he has been sober for a year, on the good side of the law, and Gordon helped him get a driver’s license for the first time in 20 years.
“He went with me and gave me the strength and courage and with the Lord it came true,” Arnold said of getting a license.
Gordon the house rehab guy has turned into Gordon the man rehab guy.
“Yes, I agree, cause I am old and I’m being fixed,” Arnold said with a laugh.
But Gordon won’t take credit for Arnold's turnaround.
“Well for another man to fix a man, that’s impossible,” he said. That’s the work that is beyond us. That is God’s work.”
All of the working together has formed quite a bond.
“I love him deep in my heart," Arnold said. "He’s done a lot for me. I just love him."
“God’s been good to us,” Gordon replied.
“Yes he has,” John said.