Meet Ned O’Brien, a friend and volunteer at His Way Atlanta! Ned first learned about His Way Atlanta when Herb Dowdy invited him to attend a dinner that initiated the launch of the Atlanta ministry. He was impressed with His Way after learning how many men the organization has helped recover from addiction using Christ-centered recovery. He also loves that many of these men have become Christians through this ministry.
Read on from Ned’s perspective about his experience as a volunteer at His Way Atlanta.
How Ned O’Brien First Got Involved
I was very pleased that the leadership at East Cobb Church of Christ decided to support the Atlanta campus of His Way, as this allowed me to get even more involved, by getting to meet and know some of the men in the program who attend services at East Cobb each week. Then when my wife (Kellie) and I met staff in Atlanta and were so impressed with their passion and ability, we got involved financially wanting this ministry to be one we support on a regular ongoing basis.
I volunteered to help with building a deck/pavilion so the men would have a place “at home” to meet and be outdoors. I brought along a great friend and carpenter named Aaron Davidson, and a great son-in-law who is also a builder named Jeremy Chupp. We worked with some of the guys from His Way to build the deck this summer, and finally got the roof built over it this fall.
I am grateful that a couple of other men donated the lumber and materials, so all we had to do was provide the labor. It was fun getting to work alongside some of the men at His Way.
Why Ned Supports His Way Atlanta
I can’t think of a better organization to come alongside and get involved with for those interested in making disciples! In just over a year, we have seen 7 or 8 baptisms. I feel like I am supporting missionaries!
Another thing I have been impressed with is the “Band of Brothers” that is created at His Way. You see that in bold letters if you attend a graduation ceremony and hear these men talk about each other. In the few months they are there, they create bonds with the leaders Jeremy, Zach, Chris, and TJ as well as the other men.
They make friendships of support and encouragement that will continue throughout their lives. It is really a Proverbs 27:17 example of “iron sharpening iron.” The positive influence men can have on each other, and how God uses men to encourage one another.
Bonds of Encouragement
When I look at His Way, another verse that comes to mind is Ecclesiastes 4:12 which says “One may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, but a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” In this ministry, they live together, study the Bible, and share together, allowing these guys to form a bond of encouragement that is hard to break!
Thank you, Ned!
It’s because of amazing volunteers like Ned O’Brien that His Way Atlanta’s ministry continues to grow to the glory of God! Thank you, Ned, for you and your wife’s financial support, prayers, interactions with the residents at church, and the free labor you gave this year to build a new deck for our residents. You are making a lasting impact on the lives of men!
Do You Want to Join Our Mission?
There are 4 main ways that you can help His Way advance our mission: providing financial support, volunteering, helping our residents find employment, and letting us speak at your church! If you are interested in any of these options, please let us know by filling out an interest form on our website!