Civil Society Does What Big Government Can’t

Ryan Messmore / April 15, 2010

Recovering drug addicts helped serve the meals at a recent conference in Naples, Fla., on addressing social breakdown. The men were participants in the Men’s Residence, a ministry of the Christian Care Center operated by First Baptist Church of Leesburg, Fla.

Serving others proves to be an important part of how these men beat their addictions in a four-month program. When it comes to meeting serious needs, the difference is striking between First Baptist’s approach and that of big government entitlement programs. In contrast to mere handouts, staff of the Men’s Residence help enrollees establish stable, drug-free lives by focusing on more than physical needs. They also address emotional and spiritual needs–which often drive such men to abuse alcohol and drugs in the first place.

Those leading this ministry, as I wrote in a guest commentary for Evangelical Outpost, understand that men are unlikely to kick their habits unless they can kick-start their own hearts. (more…)