COVER STORY 31 january 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition w f y r y r k t t have started, but I’m glad God didn’t show me. He just took me one step at a time by faith.” Today, a new generation of ministry leaders is following Pappy’s example of discipleship, as evidenced by the following alumni testimonies. Testimonies Andrew Auer’s addiction grew out of a turbulent childhood and early work in construction, where drugs and alcohol were easily accessible and normalized. Arrested in 2012 for a store robbery and detoxing in jail, a life-threatening seizure became the moment he says he clearly knew God was calling him to a different life. Faced with the choice of prison or long-term treatment, Andrew entered Faith Farm Ministries — not by coincidence, but through what he describes as God working through the justice system to direct him toward a faith-based program. Today, Andrew lives in Orlando with his wife and daughter and has remained sober since 2013. He is a state-certified, licensed plumbing contractor, launched his own company, X-Factor Plumbing, and serves as a deacon at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, where he mentors others struggling with addiction and volunteers with local ministries. Auer described the mentorship he received at Faith Farm, particularly from Rick Aspden, as transformational. “Rick didn’t just bring the truth of the gospel; he walked it out consistently,” Andrew said. “He showed me what it meant to put one foot in front of the other as a Christian man.” Auer attempted recovery before Faith Farm, but nothing lasted. “Other programs didn’t have enough foundation,” Andrew explained. “Faith Farm brought the physiological and psychological together, filtered through Scripture — and that’s what finally stuck… They help you step out of who you thought you were and into the man God created you to be.” Anthony Marakovitz, an addict for 40 years, began drinking and using drugs at age 15, growing up in the era of “sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll.” By 2012, he was homeless, consuming a gallon of vodka a day, along with meth, crack and pills, and his life was unraveling until friends intervened and brought him to Faith Farm Ministries. During a crisis on Christmas Eve 2012 — when guilt, shame and loneliness nearly led him to leave — staff intervened and brought him to a church service that became a defining spiritual moment. “I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit loud and clear,” Marakovitz said. “My whole world changed that day.” He completed the long-term program, stayed on as an intern and spent an additional year teaching and mentoring other men in recovery. Today, Marakovitz has been sober for more than a decade. He is happily married and is an elder at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, where he serves as a Celebrate Recovery leader, in men’s Bible study, beach baptisms and counseling. He also owns a successful handyman business. When asked what makes Faith Farm different, Marakovitz said, “The difference is Jesus. Faith Farm teaches the Bible and trains you to have a personal relationship with Christ, and that’s what lasts.” His advice to others struggling with addiction is, “Don’t leave before the miracle happens. If you stay, God removes the temptations completely — that’s the miracle… Faith Farm taught me what I needed to do. It became the foundation for everything that came after.” A beneficial partnership Thanks to a partnership with South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary (SFBC), Faith Farm graduates who choose to pursue higher education can receive nine credit hours toward completing a degree at SFBC. Dr. Mary Drabik, president of SFBC and vice president of Faith Farm’s board of directors, said that for most Faith Farm graduates who qualify for federal financial aid, if students agree not to take on student loans, SFBC often can scholarship the remaining tuition, allowing them to graduate debt-free. The results have been remarkable. Drabik said Faith Farm graduates have not only enrolled but excelled academically, with several graduating as valedictorians. A few of the graduates now work at the college. For example, Jeremy Scott completed Faith Farm’s residential program and volunteered for an additional year. During that time, faculty from South Florida Bible College regularly visited Faith Farm. Encouraged by faculty and staff, Scott applied to the college after completing Faith Farm and moving off campus. The transition would not have been possible financially without support. He applied for federal financial aid, and South Florida Bible College covered the remaining balance through scholarships. “There was no way I could have afforded school without that,” he said. Earning a four-year degree in pastoral ministry, Scott graduated in 2020 and was hired by South Florida Bible College, where he now serves as registrar, helping students—many with difficult backgrounds of their own—navigate enrollment, records and academic progress. Scott remains sober and grounded in faith, viewing his work in Christian education as a continuation of what began at Faith Farm. 75 years of ministry Over 75 years, the ministry has witnessed what Aspden calls countless “miracles” — men and women restored, families reunited and graduates who now serve as pastors, business owners and mentors. Drabik sees its longevity as the ultimate proof of faithfulness. “Time is the test—the test of time. They’ve been through highs and lows, and they’re still here. Look what God is doing,” Drabik said. “It's because they've stayed faithful to the mission and vision of their founder, ‘Pappy’ Garland Eastham started with 75 years ago. And I think it’s just the beginning. There are a lot of great plans ahead.” Aspden shared three key priorities the ministry is focused on as it looks ahead. 1. More lives transformed: “I want twice as many people in the program as we have right now.” 2. Sustainable funding and partnerships: With aging facilities and no government funding, every dollar matters. “Every dollar is a life to us,” he said. He hopes to build a development program and seek key partnership with local churches. 3. Infrastructure: From roofs to electrical systems, 75-year-old buildings come with real costs and real needs. The ministry is currently seeking funds to update and maintain their facilities. After 75 years, Faith Farm remains what it has always been: a faith-driven ministry sustained by obedience, generosity and, yes, thrift stores. As Aspden puts it, every donated couch or $5 dollar book sale is an invitation to “join God at His work” in saving a life. 1951 • Garland “Pappy” Eastham, a businessman and commercial fisherman, opens what was originally the Fort Lauderdale Rescue Mission after sensing God’s call to serve homeless men struggling with alcoholism. The mission begins with 24hour prayer, food, shelter and nightly gospel services. 1950s–60s • Expansion to the 15-acre Fort Lauderdale campus; early farm and work programs begin. 1961 • Faith Farm acquires 90 acres in Boynton Beach and expands the program to this second campus. 1985 • Okeechobee campus established on approximately 1400 acres, adding cattle ranching, farming, woodworking and vocational training. 1992 • Founder Garland “Pappy” Eastham dies. Leadership commits to preserving his original vision and mission. 2014 • Educational partnership begins with South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary, allowing graduates to earn college credit and pursue degrees debt-free. 2020 • Faith Farm remains fully operational through COVID-19, continuing free recovery services. 2021 • Rick Aspden, promoted from within the ministry, becomes CEO, focusing on sustainability, infrastructure and expanded capacity. 2026 • Faith Farm celebrates 75 years of continuous ministry, still free, still faith-based, still transforming lives. • Three campuses serve more than 150 students daily with a 400+ bed capacity. • 74 staff members are employed by the ministry • The $13 million biannual budget is fully funded through donations and thrift stores with 25 trucks picking up donations daily. Faith Farm Ministries: 75 Years of Milestones Ramon Ayala, Pastor/ Director of the Fort Lauderdale Farm and Rick Aspden, Pastor/CEO of Faith Farm Ministries
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