Pubdate: Thu, 23 Oct 2003
Source: Sun Herald (MS)
Copyright: 2003, The Sun Herald
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432
Author: Robin Fitzgerald

CHURCHES STRIKE BACK

Pastors Use God's Word As Effective Weapon

The Rev. Bill Saffley, pastor of Michael Memorial Baptist Church, Gulfport

Jared Savoy, youth minister, Northwood Christian Center, Gulfport

The word of God and close-knit relationships in small groups are among the 
ways some South Mississippi churches are fighting drug and alcohol problems 
among youths.

Clergymen and teenagers alike agree that it works for those who are willing 
to hear God's word and apply the Scriptures to life's every problem. But 
they're quick to point out that it's more about having a personal 
relationship with God than about going to church.

"If we live according to God's word, it works and radically changes 
individual lives," said the Rev. Bill Saffley, pastor of Michael Memorial 
Baptist in Gulfport.

"Scripture tells us how to live, and it specifically speaks against 
addiction," he said, "but our focus is not really on drugs and alcohol, but 
the underlying problems. Every church that teaches the Bible has walking 
examples of deliverance."

His church has its own youth pastor, youth services, activities and small 
group meetings on issues that concern them primarily.

"What you say to a 55-year-old isn't necessarily what a 15-year-old needs 
to hear," Saffley said.

Another Gulfport church, Northwood Christian Center, has a teen program, 
Strait Gate, with its own services and worship music by a teen youth band 
that mixes today's sounds with eternal messages.

"We establish an environment for young people to be introduced to the word 
of God, and we use personal application in small groups, where young people 
can feel comfortable and open up," said Jared Savoy, youth minister.

"Every generation has had its problems," he said. "The traps for today's 
youths are just packaged differently and present themselves in different 
ways. But God's word works the same today as it did yesterday."

One thing that has changed is a breakdown in the family, Savoy said.

"That's why we at Northwood feel like the close-knit approach through 
relationships in small groups gives every youth a place to belong. It works 
for those who make themselves a part of it."

Area churches use rallies, luaus, concerts and other special events to 
introduce teenagers to the word of God.

But the type of program offered isn't what matters, said Shannon Hamel of 
Lemoyne Boulevard Baptist in D'Iberville.

"It's important to be around other Christians who believe the same thing 
you do, and where you can feel like you can talk about anything," said 
Hamel, a D'Iberville High graduate and college student.

Luke Smitherman, a Biloxi High senior and member of First Baptist Church of 
Biloxi, said it's more than going to church.

"A bunch of us were doing the church thing, but we weren't really saved," 
he said. "The summer after eighth grade, I experienced Jesus Christ for the 
first time in my life, and it was just something radical in my life and I 
had no desire to do the things I used to do. I got away from trying to look 
older and trying to be cool in front of my friends."

Saint Pierre's Episcopal Church of Gautier addresses alcohol-related 
problems head-on by steering people toward a better life and by hosting 
meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, said the Rev. Scott Lenoir.

"You live in a land where people love to keep secrets," Lenoir said, but 
"people suffering from addiction is one of the top secrets nurtured by 
well-meaning family and friends. In the past, we denied the reality of 
addiction and sought healing by addressing the wrong issues. Most of us in 
the clergy, health care and counseling are wiser today than we were.

"Addiction and abuse are cunning foes. Just saying 'no' doesn't work with 
those who are afflicted with an addictive disease. There is help available, 
however."

Most Catholic churches have youth organizations that serve as a preventive 
approach against drug and alcohol abuse, said the Rev. Patrick Mockler of 
Our Lady of Fatima in Biloxi.

Priests also refer parishioners to professionals in the community, and 
beyond pastoral counselling, specialized counselling is available through 
Catholic Social Services, he said.
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