Progress Reports
April/2008
Dear Brethren,
Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit to pen these words of gratitude:
“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again . . . you have done well that you shared in my distress…” Philippians 4:10-14
We do not have adequate words to express how grateful we are to the many brethren who have shared in our distress through prayer and financial assistance! With your help, we have finished 4 of the 6 apartments! We can now house up to 8 men as we help them overcome their addictions!
Jeremy was with us 44 days when he decided to exit the program before completing the required 90 days. We were saddened by this. Jeremy’s grandmother, a member of the Munford church of Christ in Alabama, was also upset. Our program is not easy: We require that they quit smoking by their 60th day with us. They are not allowed to leave our property or have their own money. They must attend all church services, and we conduct classes every night of the week. They are also compelled to complete the Bible lessons we give them.
Jesus was disappointed when the rich young ruler walked away from Him. Mark 10:21 says “…Jesus, looking at him, loved him…” It must have hurt Jesus when the young man rejected His advice. Likewise, we love Jeremy, and it hurt us when he rejected our plan for his recovery from drug addiction!
David Wallace graduated from our 90-day program. He returned back to Quitman, Georgia. Last Lord’s day I preached at David’s home congregation. I exhorted them to continue to encourage and challenge David. We do not consider someone a success until they complete 1 year of faithfulness.
Chris has been with us 210 days! His parents are members of the church of Christ in Dothan, Alabama. He is a big help with encouraging the new program members. He has many talents that benefit the program. Chris graduates in October when he completes 1 year. He is now deciding what he wants to do when he graduates. I hope he stays with us and works fulltime in this ministry. He would be very good at it!
Travis has been with us 146 days. His mother is a member of the Kerrville church of Christ. He will graduate when he completes 180 days. He was baptized about 2 months ago. He has grown a lot. I am hoping Travis will sign up for another 90 days. He has come a long way, but he needs more time in this place of safety to continue growing spiritually!
Beau has been with us 120 days. His father is a deacon for the Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ. He is considering the possibility of attending a school of preaching after he completes 1-year in our program. Bill Nicks is teaching him Greek and other preaching skills.
Wes has been with us 40 days. He is our first program member from the community of Waycross. He has already watched the 5 segments of the Searching For Truth DVD. He is learning much. We are also reaching out to Wes’ family. He realizes he needs to be immersed into Christ.
Randy has been with us 16 days. His mother is a member of the church of Christ in Evansville, Indiana. Randy is having a tough time adjusting to life without alcohol and drugs. He is very depressed and very weak physically and spiritually. He has a tendency to isolate. The other men in the program are encouraging him.
These seven men have unlimited talents and potential. Please continue to pray for them and for us as we give them the tough love and the spiritual solutions that are key to their recovery.
In His service,
Ronnie Crocker, minister - Project Rescue Report for April
2008