Daniel Coll, Overcomer graduate and Miracle Hill ministry trainee
My name is Daniel Coll and I was born in Tucson, Arizona. At six years old I and my family moved to Puerto Rico. My parents were strong Christians, and we attended a missionary church called Maranatha where I was saved at an early age. We moved to Florida when I was 12 years old, and I excelled both in sports and in academics. After winning a basketball state championship my senior year of high school, I went to college having been awarded an academic scholarship to Jacksonville University. I majored in athletic training and I was also married during this time. The marriage did not work out, and after an ugly divorce, I began coping with my problems by drinking and experimenting with prescription drugs.
Drugs Became My Master
It was not long until this led to cocaine use which began the path to making horrible decisions and troubles with the law. Before long, I was facing up to 30 years in prison, but that didn’t seem to matter to me as I continued to run from the Lord. After the death of my grandpa, I moved to Greenville, South Carolina where I have family that cared for me and tried to connect me with a church. But instead of listening to them, I used all the drugs I could get my hands on to avoid reality, nearly overdosing several times. The problem was that I could not find the right drug, or enough drugs, to fill the emptiness and pain that I felt inside.
I also began drinking up to a gallon of hard liquor a day to counter the effects of drugs. At the same time, I was trying to maintain my job as a personal trainer. My life had spiraled out of control. My friends and family knew that I needed help, and I finally surrendered on October 31st, 2017, having reached the lowest point of my life in bondage to my addictions. A couple from my church, who I had worked with as a personal trainer, offered me a sponsorship to Miracle Hill. I was first taken to the Greenville Rescue Mission which offered me compassion, spiritual support, and encouragement as I began withdrawals from drugs and alcohol. I vividly remember barely being able to walk from deep cuts in both feet from walking on broken gin and vodka bottles.
Accountability Supports a New Beginning
I applied and was accepted into the Miracle Hill Overcomers program within a week. My journey to recovery began there. It was at Overcomers where I began to renew my relationship with Christ. Overcomers taught me the importance of always having a quality accountability network, which continues to grow today. My accountability includes a mentor from my church, counselors from the program, and graduates that are part of my everyday life. As my mind clears, I have become overwhelmed with gratitude. I know that I am right where God wants me to be. As I renew my relationship with God daily, I feel better each day and realize my life journey with Him is just beginning. I have restored broken relationships with my family, friends and even the law. I now have purpose in life.
Daniel Coll with Tim Brown, Director of Miracle Hill Overcomers Center
I am currently doing a six month ministry training internship at the Overcomer Center to give back to Miracle Hill and to gain hands-on experience in ministry. I am thankful to be able to share my story with my brothers and soon-to-be brothers in Christ here. While a ministry trainee at Overcomers, I am also working part-time as a certified personal trainer at the Imagine Sports and Fitness Center. I have already been able to share my story with many who are struggling and searching for the Truth. My life verse is Isaiah 40:31 which says, “For they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
Post submitted by Daniel Coll, Overcomer graduate and Miracle Hill ministry trainee
