Project Rescue

Addiction Recovery Program


a work of city boulevard church of Christ

Progress Reports

July/2008 Project Rescue Addiction Recovery Program Update

Dear brethren,

I want to begin by thanking all who have helped us financially.  We could not do what we’re doing without you!!

The adverse affect of addiction (sin) is also felt by the family of each soul in our care.  The Gospels illustrate the social strain sin causes:   Many were upset that Jesus included “sinners” in His ministry of reconciliation (Luke 15:2ff).  When Jesus reached out to Zacchaeus many complained (Luke 19:7).  When the father welcomed his prodigal son back home, his older brother was angry (Luke 15:28).  Those caught in the snare of addiction hurt those (spouse, parents, fellow Christians) who love them the most.  We work to heal those hurts!         

Chris has been with us 308 days.  His parents struggled for years to help him overcome his addictions.  He has decided to remain in Waycross.  He and Bob (one of our program members) are starting a plumbing business.  Chris’ parents are members of the church of Christ in Dothan, Alabama. 

Beau has been with us 218 days.  As we reported last month, he was recently united with his daughter Alice.  Beau’s wife was not able to care for Alice, so she turned custody over to Beau.  Every time I see Beau and Alice together, I am reminded of how our ministering reaches beyond the addict to the family!   He is taking very good care of Alice and learning to balance his work with the responsibilities of being a single father.  He has enrolled Alice in the Montessori School which is just around the corner from the duplex where he and Alice live.  They recently enjoyed a visit from Beau’s grandparents from Hilton Head, NC. 

David has been with us 53 days.  His marriage has been greatly damaged.  David is working to repair his relationship with his wife.  He and John are cutting lawns together.   David’s wife is a member of the church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia.  David has recently taken on the responsibilities of house manager for the program. 

Randy has been in the program 114 days.  His mother suffered for years watching Randy destroy his life with alcohol abuse.  He has grown a lot in the last few months.  Randy’s mother is a member of the church of Christ in Evansville, Indiana. 

Ryan has been with us 89 days.  He recently turned 21.  Ryan’s parents told him this was his last chance.  They are happy that he signed up for another 90 days in the program.   He is working for Beau installing carpet and tile.  He recently enrolled in the Waycross College.  Ryan’s parents are members of the church  in Fernandina, Florida. 

Kevin has been in the program 78 days.  Kevin has allowed his alcohol abuse to almost completely destroy his marriage.    At his wife’s request, Kevin signed up for another 90 days in the program.  He is detoxing off of the drug Xanax.  His wife is a member of the church of Christ in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

John has been with us 62 days.  His parents are grateful that he turned from drugs to the Gospel.  John will be returning home in less than one month.  His parents are worried that he might go back to his old lifestyle.  His home congregation will play an important role of support.  His mother is a member of the church of Christ in Stuart, Florida.   

 

Travis has been back with us 2 days.  He graduated on June 12th after being in the program 182 days.  He returned to drinking alcohol almost immediately.  This broke his mother’s heart!  She is glad that he came back into the program.  Travis will not work in the community for 30 days.  During this time we will ground him in the faith.  His mother is a member of the church of Christ in Kerrville, Texas. 

Bob has been with us 19 days.  His family has totally given up on him.  He is a licensed plumber and had a very successful plumbing business and lost it due to his addictions.  He owes thousands of dollars to the local plumbing supply companies.  Bob has a Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1ff) like attitude regarding the people and businesses he has harmed.  Bob and Chris have initiated a business called Recompense Plumbing.  Bob will work to repay all he owes to the local suppliers. They are presently working on the plumbing problems in our facility.  Bob is not a member of the church of Christ.  He realizes he needs to be baptized.

Van has been with us 10 days.  His mother was trying for months to persuade him to enter our program.  He overdosed and had to be hospitalized just before he decided to come.  Van’s mother is a member of the church of Christ in Bay Town, Texas.

Wes left our program after being with us 62 days.  His parents are not members of the church of Christ.  However his mother was very grateful for the spiritual growth of Wes while he was in the program.  He seems to be doing well from all the reports we have received.  He called this morning to let us know he got his job back with UPS. 

Jeremy has experienced a relapse since leaving us prematurely (after 44 days).  Jeremy’s grandmother is a member of the church of Christ in Munford, Alabama. 

All of these men receive a lot of love and encouragement from the church here.  Although they are separated from their families, they have found a family atmosphere here at the City Boulevard congregation.  The men contribute a lot to the church by helping the widows and the elderly and taking a leading part in our worship services.  They are rewarded with the admiration and appreciation they all need so much. 

Please continue to remember our efforts in your prayers.  We desperately need God’s help in this endeavor.

If you know of someone who is struggling with addiction, feel free to call us and/or point them to our web page at www.projectrescue.org.   Also, check out our ad in the August issue of the Gospel Advocate on page 36.

 

In His service,

  

Ronnie Crocker, minister