A story in Johnstown, Pa., Tribune-Democrat, tells how ministers in a community, including Grace Brethren pastor Rick Horner, are tackling the problem of drug addiction head-on. A portion of the story appears below. Click here for the complete article.
Faith-based program sees more than addicts
The heartbreak of heroin addiction has found its way into Pastor Rick Horner’s church “too many times.”
The East Conemaugh pastor said he’s seen children as young as 3 months old pulled from struggling parents and taken to foster care.
He’s watched at least one Grace Brethren Church couple split up over addiction. And he’s listened to overwhelmed congregation members who are praying for guidance to continue supporting loved ones who cheat, lie and steal from them to feed their habits.
“It’s gotten to the point where a couple of us in the Conemaugh Valley Ministerium got to thinking that we have to do something more (about this issue) than just talk about it,” Horner said.
He’s hoping a faith-based program the ministerium is hosting Saturday will provide answers – and begin to empower a group of people who might feel like they are alone in struggling with a loved one’s illness.
Click here for the complete article.