The ministries of Last Chance Ministry leader Speck Callihan and Morganton Mountaintown Baptist Association counselor Dr. De Anna Brown are still going strong.
About three weeks ago, the Last Chance Ministry at New Vision Church had 67 in attendance for the program and about 100 people attended the church service and meal, Callihan said.
Brown added that between their two programs, about 100 people have joined the 12-step program and the counseling services the pair offers.
Some folks continue to participate in the meetings even though they’ve graduated from the program, Callihan said. One such man is Kenneth Greene. He said the program, the church and the Lord Jesus give him courage, hope and strength. “It’s all about the Lord Jesus,” Greene said. “Seeing others full of God is encouraging. The church is about lifting people up. There is love there.”
Callihan continues to progress in his journey too. “God has changed my whole outlook. I don’t want to use the excuse, ‘I’m an addict’ anymore. My medication is God. I have to take my medicine every day.”
For three years he was unable to vote. A fact that, according to him, made him sick to his stomach. He had lost all his rights by the choices he had made, but as of six months ago, he is off probation and able to vote again. Something he says he’s proud of.
The best advice Callihan and Brown can give is to get established in a church and stay in church. They’ve found that folks who have a supportive community and focus on the Lord have a much better chance of beating the problems they have whether it be addiction or depression.
Brown said that in 2004, Fannin County was ranked number one as being the worst in the state for addiction and the county maintained that position for many years. “Now, Fannin is no longer number one. ... It’s been an amazing year, it’s all grown,” she said. She added that she even had 20 folks show up the recent Tuesday the weather was icy, snowy and freezing.
Brown and Callihan both say they’re involved with a true church family where everyone helps and supports one another. Callihan said the county is full of good people. As an example, he said he recently lost his wallet in Ingles and someone was kind enough to turn it in, leaving the cash from his paycheck inside. He said, “Thank you to whoever turned in my wallet. We got good people living here.”
Callihan and Brown invite anyone and everyone who may need help to visit their group meetings and enjoy a meal.
Last Chance Ministry meets every Wednesday evening at New Vision Church, 3932 Highway 2, Blue Ridge. Folks gather to eat at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. A Bible study is held every Friday night at 7 p.m. as well. Call 706-633-7231 for more information.
Brown’s group meets every Tuesday night at the Morganton Mountaintown Baptist Association, 64 Tammen Drive, Blue Ridge, at 6 p.m. to eat, fellowship and share. Call 706-632-5741 for more information.