Pubdate: Wed, 26 May 2004
Source: Cherokee Scout, The (NC)
Copyright: 2004 The Cherokee Scout
Contact:  http://www.thecherokeescout.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2314
Author: David Brown
Note: David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout.

LIKE ALL OF US, ADDICTS NEED CHRISTIAN LOVE

"Hi, my name is David, and I come from a family of addicts. From 
prescription painkillers to alcohol to crack cocaine to finding needles 
under mattresses, I've seen firsthand from family members and close friends 
the damage that addiction can do."

Those were the first words I said Saturday afternoon, when I was honored to 
speak for a few moments during the dedication of Mary's House at Christian 
Love Ministries in Peachtree. Once a certified counselor is hired, Mary's 
House will allow the Rev. Denny Smith and his staff to serve more women in 
a building of their own, increasing the ministry's overall capacity to 
53.  The need couldn't be greater. As the methamphetamine problem escalates 
in Cherokee and surrounding counties - and as unemployment, general 
hopelessness and self-loathing causes more people to turn to the bottle or 
something worse as an escape from reality - Christian Love plays a vital 
role in the health and well-being of our community.

While no rehabilitation program is 100 percent effective, what Christian 
Love does works significantly better than most traditional programs. I've 
had family members walk into typical facilities and leave 28 days later 
only to find trouble within days, if not hours. With a comprehensive 
13-week program that doesn't cost students anything but their time and 
attention, and a spiritual focus that offers addicts a meaningful 
alternative to alcohol and drugs, Denny has truly found his calling.

There's more to come. My talk was on the vision for the future, and I'm 
happy to report that Christian Love has many good things planned in the 
years to come. That includes: - opening a second thrift store. Land has 
already been purchased in Blairsville, Ga., for "The Marketplace, Too," 
which will be built as soon as permits can be secured (hopefully by the end 
of 2004). This is vital, as the ministry relies on its store and donations 
- - not the government - to continue helping people at no charge; - acquiring 
funds to hire a receptionist and nighttime manager; - recruiting more 
community volunteers to help people deal with alcohol and drug problems, 
perhaps by forming an auxiliary; - training each student in basic 
counseling so they can help others after graduating from the program; - 
building a social detoxification unit with up to four beds, and hiring a 
full-time licensed practical nurse (within 10 years); - producing a video 
that shows every step of what has been done at Christian Love to encourage 
other communities to build their own centers to help local residents 
suffering from addiction.

What a marvelous idea. By sharing their experience and materials, the staff 
and students can expand their impact across the state and even the country. 
With determination, prayer and support from the community, anything is 
possible. It would be wonderful to see the fruits of local labor multiplied.

I do have a more personal reason for appreciating the work done at 
Christian Love Ministries. Several years ago, my stepfather went through 
the program, and he came out a different man. He's not perfect, of course, 
but he now has the foundation for a clean, sober and successful future. I 
thank God for that.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, call Christian Love 
at 837-7086. There's no better time than today to start feeling like your 
old self again - or becoming a new, improved version. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake