Story number 5 for 26 Jan 2001

And, New Focus National is taking the fable of the tortoise and the hare to a new level, as it applies to their work. Anne Ruth is the New Focus program director for the Community Presbyterian Church in California. She says for many of their participants, success is directly related to a willingness to commit to a goal. “When it gets down to the nitty gritty, and they’re having to track expenses, it’s difficult, and many of them drop out-it’s too hard. But, small seeds have been planted-we’re reminded constantly of this when several of our members have returned and said ‘We’re really ready to try this again.’ It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to share the Scripture, the church…” Ruth explains how it works. “We begin by teaching them that change has to come from the heart, and that, with God’s help, we can all make change; that it’s difficult, but God is there to give us the strength.”