My name is Roberta Couch, my friends call me Jodi. I was asked to share a brief testimony of my life. What an honor! 1st Peter 3:15 says to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
I was born alcoholic, a twin and the youngest of four. My mother was married seven times, but was single more then married. She loved me the best she knew how. I lived in 13 foster homes and was neglected, physically, mentally and sexually abused. I had lived in two group homes and a Catholic Reform School. I became emancipated at the age of 16.
I had been in the Bahamas, Mexico and almost every state by the time I was 21. At the age of 23 I had two beautiful children. Because of my inabilities, I lost custody of them when I was 25. I was into drugs of all kinds, crimes of all sizes and have been to prison.
I truly believe it is because of prayer and its power that I am here in the Coeur d’Alene area today. Five years ago I was completely content to live a life of chaos, drugs and crime. It is because of the fervent prayers and love that my twin brother Robert Couch and his family had for me and all the prayer warriors at Hayden Lake Friends Church that I am alive and well today. Your prayers broke the stronghold that Satan had in my life. I began to have a conscience again. I began to “feel” again, sorrow, regret, loneliness and shame. I was broken and I reached out to Jesus in my heart, “OHHH ……Help Me God”!
When I came to Coeur d’Alene my journey began in a different direction. I was willing to receive and trust other people. Jesus put the right people in the right places at just the right time. They came alongside me, helped guide me and mentored me. Those women are still my friends today. I began to desire and seek Jesus for His will for my life. He also was restoring areas in my life that I had thought could never be repaired, my relationship with my children, I have been an off an on mom for the past four and a half years, a first degree burglary felony warrant was dismissed, my health, I was an IV user of meth in the heart of San Francisco, where H.I.V. is common.
After completing some recovery classes for my own addictions, I now have a heart for women who are struggling with issues similar to mine. Jesus has transformed me, my heart and my life. I went on to become a Facilitator for Celebrate Recovery’s drug and alcohol 12 Step program for women at Lake City Community Church for one year. I was then invited to help in the 24/7 ministry. I accepted and became the resident House Manager for the women at House of Hope.
My hope is that what I have shared will imprint the hearts and minds of those who still struggle; to know they are not alone. There is hope and a wonderful, glorious relationship waiting just for you! His name is Jesus. Invite him into your heart today.
favorite verses; NKJ Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil."
What other' say about Jodi:
"Jodi is fun to be around has lots of energy. She really loves the Lord and is a new creature in Christ. She is a great House Manager." Judy
"Jodi is a kind, caring and compassionate person. She has a passion to help those who are under her care." Samantha
"Jodi’s whole heart and soul is in this ministry. She’s 100% a team player." Mike
"Jodi is impressive in the way she is able to discern the needs of the different women in the house. She is definitely a great asset to this ministry. She is a good example of a high quality Christian and an example of integrity. " Brian 24/7 Director