This Month's Issue

Norman Carter, a member of Allegheny West Conference’s Temple Emmanuel in Youngstown, Ohio, is on the frontlines of the drug crisis. “[The opioid crisis] is a beast that’s been unleashed. … In order to stop it, you have to stop drugs, and we know that is not going to happen. I think that all we can do is be prepared to provide services to those in need,” says Carter, who kicked his crack cocaine habit nearly eight years ago, and three years ago founded the Carter House, a transitional residential program in Youngstown. 

Darcel Harris, a recovering alcoholic and cocaine addict says,  “The same neglect an alcoholic gives his or her children [is the same as] a workaholic, so we look at addictions, behaviors and choices, not just alcohol and drugs."

“[The church] is supposed to be a hospital, but we’re not all ready to address the sick,” says James Jackson, AEC’s coordinator for Adventist Recovery Ministry (ARMin), and a member of the Mount Olivet church in Camden, N.J., who spent 20 years under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

Bonnie Franckowiak, professor and coordinator of the Master of Science Nursing Program at Washington Adventist University, says recognizing substance abuse varies from age group to age group.

Opiates, naturally occurring alkaloids, are found in opium poppy plants, and relieve pain symptoms. Drugs in this family include heroin, opium, morphine and codeine, reports opium.com.

There is a strong drug epidemic and high risk of drug overdose in the Elyria and Lorain Ohio community. In response to this, members of Ohio Conference’s Elyria church, some who are recovering from addiction, run a long-standing women's’ ministry and a brand-new men’s’ ministry to build community with those in need. See how this church is providing a warm, accepting space for healing.

The opioid and heroin epidemic is crippling communities across the nation, leaving health officials and providers, coroners, law enforcement and churches scrambling to respond to and combat this widespread crisis. Read how Adventists are helping addicts recover

This fall marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. While Martin Luther was not the first reformer, his posting and printing of the 95 Theses, or complaints against the Catholic Church, are considered the launching point of the reformation.

Over the past five years, the number of women in pastoral ministry within the Columbia Union Conference has grown to 40. Meet six women pastors who reflect on their call to ministry, as well as their challenges, successes and blessings.

Within the Columbia Union Conference, 40 women clergy serve as pastors, chaplains, religion professors and ministry leaders. In honor of Pastor Appreciation Month, we recognize and applaud their dedication to advancing Christ's mission in the October issue.