Core Value #4 Our Commitment to Addiction Recovery
Posted on May 2, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
It’s been the heartbeat of what we do at America’s Keswick for 118 soon to be 119 years. It is how our ministry started on September 27, 1897.
I hate addiction. Every day I hate it more and more. Sometimes I feel like we are casting a pebble in the ocean and question are we really making a difference.
Part of my frustration is because the enemy keeps upping the ante. 19 graduates have died since January 2015. Guys who were doing really well. Guys who decided to try a shot of heroin one more time.
Maybe they knew – maybe they were naïve. Heroin today is not like it was even two years ago. It’s dirty. It’s lethal. You don’t have a chance to get addicted. One injection = death!
I am tired of our government officials proclaiming concern over the drug problems in our country then turning around an legalizing the stuff to see more and more people than ever before.
Yesterday I heard a statistic that 17.5 million American’s are addicted to alcohol. And yet we joke about it – call ourselves legalists if we as believers choose not to drink socially.
The former Mayor of Philadelphia, decriminalized marijuana. Really? What that means is that you can have a small amount in your possession if you are caught without legal entanglements. Interesting. A famous drug Czar who served for several Presidents says that the marijuana on the streets today is five times more potent than it was 2 years ago. Connect the dots. Your smarter than most. The little you can have has five times more potency!!!
I am tired of getting calls about men who have committed suicide because they can’t handle their issues any more.
I am tired of seeing how addiction tears apart whole families.
IF I FOCUSED ON THE NEGATIVE – I WOULD RATHER BE FLIPPING BURGERS AT WENDY’S!!!
This value reminds why we exists and who we serve!!! The heart of the Keswick ministry is our addiction ministries. The conference ministry provides us the vehicle to raise the visibility of the addiction recovery ministries and tell the story of how God transforms lives.
So as long as God gives me breath and energy, I am going to keep fighting. I am going to keep us sharing the good news that Jesus Christ is the ONLY LASTING ANSWER to addiction. He wants to rescue, redeem and restore.
Am I discouraged? Sometimes. Am I hopeful! Absolutely. I have seen it work. I have seen it happen over and over in a man’s life and now, in the lives of women through Barbara’s Place.
But we need each other in this battle. Your prayers and financial support help us make a difference. On Saturday, May 7th, we have our Family Freedom Walk and our goal is to raise $50,000 towards the 1.5 million it costs to provide addiction recovery ministry at America’s Keswick.
Will you help me? You can call 800-453-7942 for information or visit our website at www.americaskeswick.org. Thanks for your consideration!
May God bless you.
Written by Dr. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick: He has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 120; Proverbs 2
Daily Quote: “We can still see a difference in our churches and culture. Unless we decide not to pray. Unless we decide not to care. Unless we succumb to the enemy’s deceptions. God’s Word call to us across time, urging us to believe Him again for revival in our time.” ~From Living the Battle Plan
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them. ~Psalm 34:6-7
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