Finding Freedom in Christ
Dartmouth Student Thankful for Second Chance by eileen scott , senior writer
Nick Valenzuela knows something about the silent seduction of false idols . A recovering addict , he openly shares his testimony of how he has been delivered from the bondage of drugs and alcohol .
Valenzuela ’ 18 gives Jesus Christ all the glory for his transformation and credits Christian Union ’ s ministry at Dartmouth with helping him find his way home .
“ I ran [ from a Christian lifestyle ], but God set it up just perfectly that I would come back ,” said Valenzuela . “ If it hadn ’ t been for God , I ’ m not sure I would be here right now .”
Although a self-described Christian when he arrived at Dartmouth , Valenzuela didn ’ t fully connect with a community of believers . He attended some Christian Union events and joined a local church , but the Dallas native was more interested in a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend back home , than he was with Jesus Christ . Valenzuela also joined Dartmouth ’ s infamous Greek system , and despite a genetic pre-disposition to alcoholism , he engaged in heavy drinking and drug use .
The downward spiral became more intense in his sophomore year . During an evening of drinking with his fraternity brothers , he blacked out and was unfaithful to his girlfriend . “ But I didn ’ t even know it until later ,” he said . “ That was so scary .”
Unsteady and feeling alone in the haze of addiction , Valenzuela hit rock bottom . He was even known for his compulsive behavior within his fraternity . One fraternity brother expressed surprise by saying , “ Aren ’ t you supposed to be a Christian ?” The conviction only added to Valenzuela ’ s shame . Then he received a phone call from Zach Albanese , Christian Union ’ s ministry director at Dartmouth . Albanese was calling to see how the young man was doing . It soon became apparent , he wasn ’ t doing well .
“ I really saw his addiction warring with his flesh ,” said Albanese . “ It wasn ’ t something he preferred . It was something that had enslaved him .”
“ Zach and Christian Union were waiting for
me ,” said Valenzuela .
Albanese met with the student weekly , and mentored him by sharing Christian books and resources . Through God ’ s grace , Valenzuela was able to release his earthly idols . He “ came clean ” to Albanese about everything he had been doing .
“ In one moment after meeting with Zach and spending a time of detoxing and turning my face toward God , I finally realized God was bigger than any sin I had ,” said Valenzuela . “ I didn ’ t have to live the sin I was in . These things can ’ t be done on your own . Change came when I turned it fully over to God .” Nick Valenzuela , Dartmouth ‘ 18
Venezuela also realized his long-distance relationship needed to end . His attention is now on shorter-term goals like staying sober each day through Alcoholics Anonymous . The junior is also actively involved with Christian Union and serves on the ministry ’ s worship team .
“ This group of people has been helpful and a source of accountability ,” he said . “ I ’ m open about my struggles and they are helpful .”
Valenzuela , along with a friend who is active in Christian Union , share their experiences with fellow Greeks .
“ We talk about where they put their faith ,” said Valenzuela . “ The other student is an example of someone who joined a frat and didn ’ t compromise his morals and faith . I am an example of how bad things can be , but also of what God can do .”
“ Nick sees no value in pretending to be someone he ’ s not — knowing fully that if others won ’ t accept him , his God will ,” said Albanese . “ He is starting to see that deep satisfaction is only found in the Lord . Any other place will pale in comparison .” | cu
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