USA (MNN) — A new U.S. federal initiative aims to combat the national addiction crisis. Launched in January, it’s called the “White House Great American Recovery Initiative.”
Brandon Bower from The Lighthouse says, “Anytime the government’s focused on addiction, I think it’s a really good thing, because our community members, our family members, our loved ones are struggling.”
He adds that greater attention to addiction can be beneficial for ministries. Still, he urges discernment as public support grows, since expectations may not always align with Christian convictions.
Turning to the bigger picture, Bower says addiction goes beyond alcohol or drugs: “But then you have pornography, you have food, you have gambling, you have codependency — you have many things that could be addiction if it takes precedence over Jesus.”
Addiction can look different from person to person (Representative photo courtesy of Mia Anderson via Unsplash)
That’s central to The Lighthouse’s holistic approach and testimonies of recovery. “We are just proclaiming the Gospel to everyone who walks in these doors,” says Bower.
The Lighthouse has 28 beds for people who need help for a season. And if they relapse, they’re welcomed back, since recovery can be a long journey.
“We help them know that they are not defined by their addiction, and most importantly, they’re not fighting this alone,” he explains, adding that faith and struggle can coexist in believers who struggle with addiction.
“God works through repentance and the renewal of the mind and community,” says Bower, “and we’re just providing a vehicle where they can have that community, point them to a new mindset, and point them to Christ for repentance.”
Please pray that the new federal initiative would inspire coordinated support nationwide.
Also lift up The Lighthouse ministry, asking God to provide the resources necessary to care well for those we serve. Addiction ministry requires sustained effort to connect with individuals who need help, maintain financial stability, and hire staff who are both qualified and aligned with a biblical approach to restoration. Visit The Lighthouse website to learn how you can pray and help.
“I ask that you pray that God opens the eyes of those who are struggling to see their desperate need for Him,” says Bower.
Header photo courtesy of Valentin Antonucci via Pexels.
