One Woman’s Experience In Lifehouse Australia

Lifehouse Australia is a purpose built residence established by Edwardstown Baptist Church with the assistance of the Pickard Group. Lifehouse offers six-month residential accommodation for women to help them work through life controlling issues under the supervision of trained counselors. Opened in September 2008, Lifehouse is operated by a team of dedicated staff under the leadership of Director Hilery Keane. The staff of Lifehouse journey with women to help them make life-changing choices that free them from addictive and damaging habits. Self-harm, eating disorders and depression are the kinds of challenges that the residents and staff deal with in a Christian based program.

The following story was written by a woman who has recently completed the six-month residential program at Lifehouse Australia.

I entered the house a broken woman unable to function without the aid of others, and never really grasping independence. I can say with all honesty that I was ready to end my life. I truly believed my life was not worth the paper it was written on the day that I was born. Guilt, resentment, fear, pain and hate to name a few, were consuming me everyday. I thought there was no way out and no one would care. It got to the stage one day, with my family and a very close friend, where I had a massive decision to make. Either live the rest of life in nothingness or make a once and for all final decision to repair what I could.

Having gone through a rehabilitation program twice previously I had a fair idea what I was in for. The physical pain and emotional emptiness of substance abuse detox is undeniably hell in itself. Maintaining this is hardly ever achieved. I entered Lifehouse still in withdrawal. I kicked and screamed and tried my hardest to change the minds of my family, which I was good at doing. This time, no amount of resistance was to be tolerated and I had to face the inevitable. I hated everyone for “dumping” me. I hated Lifehouse and all it stood for. There was no way “this” place would be able to “tame” me, as no one had ever succeeded before. I had convinced myself I couldn’t do it!

I was still in physical pain for the initial 8 weeks and once this started to subside I began to get a glimpse of happiness. I was overwhelmed with the selflessness of people who never even knew me. I could not understand why anyone would want to put their time into improving me. Staff, volunteers and residents were giving me reinforcement that I was improving which I of course did not believe. Why did the outside world not see these traits in me? I soon realized the damage I had done was not only to me but also to the ones who loved me. This could never be repaired by words alone. I knew I had to do the things I said I would. After about 10 weeks into the program I had an overwhelming desire to serve others. I could not just sit back and allow the world to go by and I wanted to help out in as many ways as I could.

Having a limited knowledge of the Creator, I came in with an open mind and many, many questions. Many debates were probably instigated by me but I figured I am here to learn and without knowledge I could not grow. I got to the stage where I was satisfied to embark on my own personal journey as a new Christian and I am learning a lot. I was nervous to let anyone know of my decision but amazingly my friends have supported my choice and are happy for me.

God works in ways which you may not realize. Just being in the Lifehouse community has prepared me for the next stage in my life.

If you know of women suffering from the kinds of conditions mentioned in this article who are seeking a supportive environment to find healing and restoration we would love to hear from you.

Lifehouse is a non-profit organization that is supported by individuals and local businesses and needs funds to continue helping women in need. If you can assist please contact Lifehouse on 8277 1433. All donations are tax deductible. See the Lifehouse website at www.lifehouse.asn.au for more information.