"You Think You Know What You Need... But Only God Knows"

The Story of John Szatny

Born and raised in Philadelphia, the early years of John Szatny's life were not much different than many of the men who have come to the Colony of Mercy. John is the oldest of five children ... four boys and a girl. His parents separated when John was 11 or 12 years of age, and later they divorced. John "didn't like what was happening" at the time, but he "took on different roles in the home" so his Mom could work. He and a friend, who had a couple of older brothers, liked to do things with the older guys. This led John to using drugs when in the 7th grade.

He started with marijuana and acid, then speed and coke. He liked the feeling these "uppers" gave him. "Tripping" became common practice. A few years later he began drinking, although he was not really fond of it. The combination of drugs and alcohol became the root of many problems in John's life. After high school, an attempt at college failed due to his life-style. He floundered for some time until he was employed at a local hospital. Although he had no real medical training, his job was to set things up in the operating rooms.

John did well for a number of years. He had a nice home, and other material things, but his addictions took over and he lost everything. In the fall of 1987, Bill Bibik was admitted to the hospital where John worked, for same day surgery on his knee. When Bill gave his address as America's KESWICK, the admitting clerk, who was a close friend of John, asked about KESWICK and Bill explained about the Colony Program. The clerk said she had a friend who needed such a program, and Bill gave her his business card.

A year or more went by and Bill was in the lounge at the Colony one evening when a young man spoke up after hearing Bill's name. He said "Bill Bibik, I've had your card in my wallet for about a year." Yes, it was John! During that year much had happened. John had sought some help. He left his job at the hospital and went to a Rehab. After attending a party following his discharge, he broke up with his girlfriend and moved in with his dad and stepmother. Things didn't work out there, so he went to live with an uncle and aunt.

His job at that time was at a liquor store. It was not a good place for John to be. At the end of each week he had no pay to take home because he owed it to his boss for the liquor he drank during the week. John's uncle and aunt advised him to again seek help. Since he had no medical coverage he didn't know where to turn. Then he remembered the card in his wallet. He called and completed an application for the program. Although he was told that there was a three month waiting period, the "wait" was reduced to three days. God knew John's need!

When he was invited to come to the Colony he didn't go to a Detox Center first, but quit "cold turkey." His first few days are just a blur. He remembers that time as "coming out of a fog." He also remembers Nell Morrison being there for him - praying for him, mothering him and encouraging him. There were several times when John would awaken and find Nell close by. Sometimes she was on her knees on his behalf. John was in the program during KESWICK's summer conferences and one evening heard a message by Dr. Malcolm Cronk that really spoke to him. He said that message "clinched it." He recognized his need of having Jesus in his heart and life.

He had been observing different staff members and could see the true happiness in their lives. Many exhibited Christian love to him. He remembers Glen Zigrang as a young fellow who went about his work quietly, but with real joy. He noticed how Ken Brown handled various situations, and was often uplifted by just a handshake from Andy Hagel. John wanted what he saw in the staff. He said "there was substance to their Christian love."

John fulfilled the requirements of the Colony Program, graduated and became one of the first three men to enroll in the Discipleship Program. During this period he was able to search for employment off campus. John knew he didn't want to return to the city (Philadelphia). He had a real desire to "start fresh." His personal growth was quite evident.

One day while reading a newspaper, he spotted an ad that he felt was just for him. It was right in the middle of the page - dead center - in bold print. The job was a low level entry job with training provided at Community Hospital in nearby Toms River. John's counselor took him there to apply. During the application process, the girl he spoke with asked John about KESWICK, as he listed that as his address. John told her "everything" about himself and the Colony. Her parting remarks when the interview was completed were, "I'll be in touch."

John left thinking, "Yeah, I'll hear that the job has been filled by someone else." Instead, he received a phone call the following day and was told that, because of his honesty, he was hired. It was evident that God answered prayer! As time went on, and John did well, the hospital made him an offer to further his education. He was able to obtain his LPN license and later his RN degree. The hospital paid for all his training, his books and his uniforms. Through this, John saw God's hand in his life. When it was time to leave KESWICK, John had no place to go. But, as he talked with one of the lifeguards on staff, he learned that her parents had a place nearby for rent.

Once again, in another way, John's need was met. As he states, "God always provided." He said, "God always takes you a step further . one better." Wanting to clear off some past debts, John took a second job. He worked at a boat yard from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. scraping barnacles off boats. Then he had just enough time to get ready for duty on the 3:00 to 11:00 shift at the hospital. In a year and a half he had paid off all his debts. Although both jobs kept him quite busy, John experienced some loneliness.

From time to time he would call the Bibiks, and have a friendly chat. Bill and Grace were always glad to hear from him. It wasn't until a long time later that John shared that when he called it was because he was going through a "down time" and just needed a touch with KESWICK. Bill and Grace were pleased to be able to share with John in that way. Before long, he met a lovely Christian young lady from the Philippines. Rowena was a nurse at the hospital who came to know the Lord during her early childhood.

One of John's "requirements" in a mate was that she be a Christian. Again, God provided. John and Rowena were married and they had a son, Justin, and a daughter, Allison. Today John's family all know and love the Lord and are very active in their church. Justin, 14, plays the piano and John leads the music for the Sunday morning church service. In the evening, John and Rowena, along with Justin and Allison, 10, are involved with the Youth Group. Most week nights are filled with either a Bible Study, or music lessons, or band practice.

Reflecting on his past, John recalls difficult situations in which he was involved . an accident with a school bus . making a wrong turn and finding himself facing someone who had a knife in his side. But he claims God was there at each event. He knows now that God had a plan and a purpose for his life. John also recognized that his family never truly backed him. There was always a sense of distance. However, he remembers that while at the Colony, his mother visited him on Thanksgiving Day and brought him flowers. And, she never missed a weekend visit.

John detected a "sincerity in her desire to see him get well." She encouraged him to continue attending meetings like AA. However, now with the Lord in his life, he no longer needs AA. It's evident today that John delights in the Lord, and in his family. He and Rowena are teaching their children about communication and relationships . about a personal relationship with the Lord through prayer. Family devotions are a part of each morning. John is committed to daily walking with the King. He says "We're not puppets; we're given a choice." He's happy that God loves him so much that He's willing to let him make choices. When asked about his favorite Bible verse, John found it hard to give just one.

He remarked how one of his Colony Discipleship friends had encouraged him to memorize Scripture. He quoted Hebrews 10:22 and some verses from James 1 beginning with verse 2. He uses Psalms a lot in Praise and Worship. John said "the beauty of the Bible is that it is always fresh."