Recovery Church Hope Sturgis SD

I was born and raised in Southern California to hard-working parents, though I would not understand the meaning of hard work until later in life. I was not raised in the church, but in 2009 I was in jail for a felony, and my mom told me that I needed to pray. I asked how I was supposed to do that, and she responded by telling me that you do not ask for a house or a car, you ask Him for help and He will help you. That is when my journey with the Lord began.

I wish I could say that I have been clean and sober since then. In reality, it has been since August 17, 2022. I spent 10 years knowing I needed God, but it was not until I was introduced to the 12 steps and sponsorship that I was able to work through the things that kept me from being usefully whole.

I am a member of Hope Church in Sturgis, SD, a congregation of wonderful people who have always accepted me for who I am. I have never felt anything but welcomed there. While attending a men’s retreat, I was told about Recovery Church and was immediately convicted. I told myself, “Yep, that is what I want to do.” After much prayer with my closest friend, we decided to take the leap.

I am so excited to share what a relationship with Jesus has done in my life and in the lives of those around me. God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called, and I feel that I have been called to help people. I am so grateful for the opportunity.

Sober member of the Body of Christ since July 10th, 2024. Currently resides in Spearfish, SD where he is a landscaper by trade. Member of the congregation at Hope Church in Sturgis. When not occupied with Anonymous meetings, Church or other service commitments can most likely be found either by a lake fishing and relaxing or hiking to the top of the nearest mountain or hill. Adventurous spirit that wants to experience EVERYTHING Gods' Kingdom has to offer!

After navigating a lifelong battle with addiction that began in various forms at a very early age, JoAnna spent years searching for a way to fill what she calls the "God-shaped hole" inside of her. Following a journey through many treatments and deep trauma, she found that her own hard work was never enough until she met Jesus in the midst of her desperation. Delivered by a single grain of faith, JoAnna has been walking in freedom since June 12, 2025.

As a servant leader on the Recovery Church team, JoAnna is dedicated to doing whatever she is called to do by Jesus to help others navigate their own journeys to Christ. With a background in nursing studies and a current role at a local health food store, she brings a holistic perspective to recovery, valuing the connection between spiritual peace, nutrition, and physical health.

JoAnna is an active member of a 12-step program and is passionate about cleaning up the "wreckage of her past" to make room for a bright future. A farm girl at heart, she finds joy in helping out with the animals on her family's farm, trail running, writing poetry, gardening, and CrossFit. Above all, she is a mother to two amazing boys, ages 7 and 4, and is devoted to learning how to be the parent God intended her to be.