Inspiring Bristol Man Leads Community in Hopeful Recovery Mission

Bristol, Va. — In a neighborhood where stories of triumph often nestle against tales of hardship, one man is weaving a narrative of hope and recovery. This week’s community hero, Zac Holt, is changing lives, starting with those who are at their lowest, battling addiction.

Zac Holt, Founding Pastor and Director of Bristol Lifestyle Recovery, offers something invaluable to men struggling with substance abuse: a chance for sobriety and a new lease on life. Holt’s journey is deeply personal and lends him an empathetic edge that makes his work resonate profoundly with those he helps.

“There were a lot of years in my life where I struggled with substance abuse,” Holt shared candidly. “That took me to some really dark places, had me in and out of jail, on and off the streets. And eventually, it landed me back in jail where I had an encounter and experience. My eyes were opened to God’s love in a way I’d never experienced before.”

This epiphany was the catalyst for a transformative journey that led him from seminary school to the establishment of Bristol Lifestyle Recovery. The organization, a multifaceted initiative, extends its services through various branches, including a residential recovery center. Here, a powerful ethos is at play: To keep recovery and faith, one must give it away.

Holt elaborated on this guiding philosophy, “I teach these men how to give away their faith, give away their lives, give away their recovery, how to live on mission, how to live lives that are not about themselves. But in response to the grace of God they experienced in their ability to find freedom from narcotics.”

Under this framework, many outreach programs have blossomed, including a haircut ministry, a flea market ministry, and even a basketball ministry. These initiatives not only provide practical support but also foster community, connection, and a sense of purpose among the participants.

“The outreach is growing, and we’re seeing lives change,” Holt said with palpable excitement. “Just getting to celebrate with them in these victories, in these wins, because a lot of these guys have never had anybody say, ‘I believe in you, you can do this.’ Seeing them come alive in that, not just for themselves, but paying it forward to others, is incredibly rewarding.”

The ripple effects of Holt’s approach are evident. Men who once felt invisible and hopeless are now leaders within their community, extending the compassion and support they once received to new members. This cycle of giving and receiving fosters a vibrant, supportive network that continually brings in fresh faces.

Holt’s ambition doesn’t end here. He has grand plans for the future, aiming to widen the scope and reach of Bristol Lifestyle Recovery. “We always say, if we can, we will. And if we’re able to, we’ll come beside them,” he asserted.

Holt’s work is a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and community in overcoming adversity. The transformation he facilitates isn’t just about breaking free from addiction—it’s about rebuilding lives, re-igniting hopes, and rediscovering the beauty of shared humanity.

As he looks forward, Holt remains committed to his mission, eager to touch more lives and expand the horizon of possibilities for those bound by the chains of addiction. The basic belief driving his efforts is simple yet profound: Anyone can change, and with the right support, they can transform their world.

The story of Zac Holt and Bristol Lifestyle Recovery serves as a poignant reminder that heroes walk among us, often stepping up when we need them the most. His dedication and the movement he has sparked embody the resilience and hope that lie at the heart of every recovery journey.