New book chronicles Shemwell’s journey from crack cocaine addiction and hopelessness to recovery, Christian discipleship, ministry, and a mission to help others rebuild their lives.
NEWS PROVIDED BY
Wayne Shemwell Ministries
Sept. 4, 2026
NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — Author, minister, and recovery advocate Wayne D. Shemwell shares an intensely personal story of addiction, recovery, redemption, and spiritual transformation in his new book, From Crack to Christ.
More than an account of escaping substance abuse, From Crack to Christ explores a question that often receives far less attention: What happens after recovery begins?
For Shemwell, becoming free from crack cocaine was not the end of the journey. It was the beginning of the difficult work of confronting painful choices, repairing broken relationships, rebuilding his life, and discovering a new identity rooted in Jesus Christ.
“My past is part of my story, but it does not have the authority to determine my future,” Shemwell said. “I want people who feel trapped by addiction, shame, failure, or regret to know that their story does not have to end where they are today. Through Christ, transformation is possible.”
Shemwell writes from lived experience rather than theory. Once caught in the destructive cycle of crack addiction and struggling with shame and hopelessness, he eventually reached a point where meaningful change was no longer optional.
Recovery brought freedom from substance abuse, but Shemwell describes sobriety as only one part of his transformation. His journey developed into a deeper examination of repentance, Scripture, obedience, accountability, and Christian discipleship. That spiritual search eventually led him from the Baptist tradition to the Church of Christ and toward a life increasingly devoted to ministry and service.
At the center of From Crack to Christ is Shemwell’s belief in the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.
His journey was strengthened through prayer, accountability, Scripture, and relationships with people willing to challenge and support him, including his close friend and accountability partner, Ken Burns. Those experiences convinced Shemwell that neither recovery nor Christian growth was intended to be pursued in isolation.
“Recovery taught me that I needed people who would love me enough to encourage me, pray with me, hold me accountable, and tell me the truth,” Shemwell said. “God used those relationships to help me become the man I was supposed to be.”
From Recovery to Service
Shemwell’s personal transformation eventually became an avenue for helping others.
Through CASA — Christians Against Substance Abuse, he combined his recovery experience with biblical teaching to reach people confronting addiction, brokenness, and the consequences of destructive choices. His involvement with recovery houses has also provided opportunities to encourage individuals working to restore their lives.
Rather than hiding the darkest chapters of his past, Shemwell has chosen to use them as a testimony that restoration is possible.
From Crack to Christ does not romanticize addiction or minimize the damage it can cause. Instead, the book focuses on what became possible after Shemwell reached some of the darkest periods of his life and made the decision to pursue lasting change.
Building upon a personal journey previously explored in Turning Pain into Purpose, Shemwell places greater emphasis in From Crack to Christ on discipleship, service, accountability, and the responsibility that followed his recovery.
The book is intended not only for people experiencing addiction or recovery, but also for their families, Christians, pastors, ministry leaders, recovery advocates, and anyone searching for a faith-centered perspective on restoration and lasting change.
Ultimately, From Crack to Christ delivers a message to people who believe their mistakes have disqualified them from a meaningful future:
You have not fallen too far to begin again.
Shemwell’s story demonstrates how experiences once associated with shame, destruction, and hopelessness can become part of a larger testimony of faith, purpose, service, and hope.
Book Availability
From Crack to Christ by Wayne D. Shemwell is available now on Amazon.
Purchase the book: https://a.co/d/09meM7xr
Media Contact
For review copies, author interviews, speaking requests, or additional information, please contact:
Wayne D. ShemwellAuthor, Minister & Recovery Advocate Email: wayne@wayneshemwell.org Phone: (502) 418-3436 Website: www.wayneshemwell.org
About Wayne D. Shemwell
Wayne D. Shemwell is an author, minister, media entrepreneur, and recovery advocate whose work centers on faith, restoration, personal transformation, and helping people turn painful experiences into purpose.
Drawing upon his own journey from addiction to recovery and Christian ministry, Shemwell speaks and writes about redemption, discipleship, accountability, and the belief that a person’s past does not have to dictate their future.
Through his ministry, media work, writing, and involvement in recovery initiatives, Shemwell continues to use his testimony to encourage individuals and families confronting addiction, brokenness, and seemingly impossible circumstances.
SOURCE Wayne Shemwell Ministries
CONTACT: 502-418-3436, wayne@wayneshemwell.org