Born in Arkansas, Matt and his family moved to Georgia when he was seven years old. His childhood and teenage years were relatively normal and included church attendance and sports activities. He began drinking at an early age. Following marriage, he spent many years working various jobs, primarily in marketing and sales. Despite his successes in business, his dependence on alcohol led to one firing after another.

At one of his lowest points, Matt entered Waypoint Ministry and although completing the 12-month program and returning to the business world, he returned to drinking. Eight years later, following a divorce and his life spiraling out of control, he entered Waypoint for the second time directly upon release from jail, and that’s when things really began to change. His effort was, for the first time, put directly into his relationship with God. With the help of the Waypoint leaders and men he was surrounded by daily, he learned to put God first. Not only to stay sober but to lead a joy-filled life.

Since joining the Waypoint staff, It is abundantly clear to him that this is God’s plan and path, and he is happy to be in a position to help the men at Waypoint Ministry battle addiction with their walk in the Lord, and to encourage them by sharing his experiences and message of hope.

Outside of Waypoint, Matt is focused on building his relationship with his son and daughter. He is also an avid sports fan and, especially because of his Arkansas roots, loves his “Razorbacks”!

Favorite Verse: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your distress on Him, because He cares for you”. – 1 Peter 5:6-7

Mike Arehart was born in Ventura, California. He battled drug addiction for over two decades. He originally entered Waypoint in 2018 with the sole purpose to escape from society for a year. His mind was set on exploring Christianity while still holding onto Worldly things. Mike returned to Waypoint for a second time in 2020 to find a true relationship with Christ. Mike decided it was time to surrender completely to God. Mike is valuable to the Waypoint team and works at the thrift store as the Sales Floor Manager. He really enjoys serving the surrounding community by sharing his personal testimony with the many customers that come through our thrift store.

Mike is currently attending Southwest Bible College to obtain his Associate’s Degree. He is also working on attaining his credentials to become a Certified Addiction Counselor. Mike is also focusing on restoring his relationship with his two kids.

Favorite Verse: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 KJV

Paul Northrop has experienced a radical transformation in his life. After starting to use drugs at the age of fifteen, Paul spent the next twenty-two years in and out of prison and addicted to almost every abusive substance. Eventually he lost everything, including his wife, children, and family. After years of living a destructive lifestyle, Paul was arrested and reached a level of brokenness. He no longer wanted to live if it meant living in such bondage. Paul prayed for God to change him and soon reached out to Waypoint. God’s grace sufficiently reshaped Paul’s way of thinking, and since that time God has restored Paul’s relationship with his three sons and family. Paul currently holds the position of Intake Coordinator at Waypoint Ministry. This allows him the opportunity to share his personal testimony with others who are struggling with addiction and in need of a program. Also, Paul is a volunteer firefighter for the Lumpkin County EMS and enjoys volunteering his time to help rescue others. Paul is certified as an NPQ Firefighter 1 and EMS First Responder, and is also certified in CPR. Paul’s desire is to continue furthering his education in the fields of addiction and EMS.

Favorite Verse: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loves me and gave Himself up for me.” – Galatians 2:20

Married to his high school sweetheart Tracey, and now blessed with 3 children, Levi, Ethan, and Marlee, Matt has been working in the field of addiction recovery since 2008 and as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 2012.  He graduated from Liberty University with his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and his Master of Arts in Professional Counseling.  He and his family have been serving as pastors since 2004.  They have recently merged their ministry to birth Rehoboth Congregational Holiness Church in Banks County.  Here at Waypoint, we employ a holistic approach to regeneration and are grateful for Matt’s expertise in understanding the clinical side of recovery. Each and every day, men benefit from tackling their habits with both their head and their heart. We are grateful for Matt’s investment that makes change possible for each and every man we serve.

Certifications: Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Favorite Verse: “Blessed [happy and sheltered by God’s favor] is everyone who fears the LORD [and worships Him with obedience], who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments.” – Psalms 128:1

Miles started a life of drug and alcohol use in his early teens. With a rough home life, these substances were a poor antidote to fill a hole that could only truly be filled through a deeper faith in Jesus. It would, unfortunately, be several years before he came to that realization. In the meantime, he experienced a failed attempt at college and even homelessness as a result of addiction. Like so many of our graduates, he was at the end of his rope when he finally found a home here at Waypoint Ministry. His path toward recovery, rejuvenation, and renewed hope wasn’t easy – but it was life-changing. Today, you can find Miles serving the men in the very seats where he once sat. We cannot think of a better person to welcome men into our home than someone who has walked through the same despair and has come out free on the other side. Miles holds an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies.

Certifications: CIT – Counselor in Training

Favorite Verse: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26

Michael grew up in Cumming, Georgia. Despite the promise of a degree, he began to struggle with alcohol in his early twenties – an unfortunate reality for so many. Things continued to tailspin for Michael until joining the family here at Waypoint. As a graduate of our program, he relates to the men in our care in a unique and compelling way. Through his twelve-month stay, an additional season of volunteering, and now as a staff member, Michael not only found personal freedom but feels called to serve other men so they find theirs. Michael returned to school and received an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies from Southwest Bible College. He is currently working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time outdoors.

Certifications: CIT – Counselor in Training

Favorite Verse: “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”- Ephesians 2:20-22

Chris started off as a volunteer here at Waypoint. Later, he joined the board, and then ultimately felt the Lord nudging him in 2012 to leave the world of commercial construction to support Waypoint Ministry full-time as Executive Director. Along with his wife Robin, who’s affectionately called the “Waypoint Mom”, Chris spends his time carrying out the vision of our ministry, planning for the future, and investing in the lives of each and every man who comes to us for help. Under his leadership, our organization continues to grow as we serve more men and families in need of regenerative care from life-controlling habits. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling / Psychology.

Certifications: CAC Level II (Certified Addiction Counselor) and CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor.

Favorite Verse: “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins.” – Romans 3:22-24