When John Grisham’s The Firm was published in 1991, “everyone” was talking about how great it was, so I jumped on the bandwagon. I took it on a family camping trip and spent the entire weekend sitting by Lake Michigan devouring it. I loved it!
Since then, I have read and collected every John Grisham book he has written. The next year, A Few Good Men was released and I’ve been hooked on courtroom dramas ever since.
Real-life legal issues aren’t very entertaining or glamorous, though. And almost everyone who abuses drugs eventually faces them.
This Year’s Theme
At our fundraising dinner this year in August, we are looking forward to hearing from Madison County’s “Drug Court” judge, the Hon. Judge Hundley. The Drug Court program is one way that our community attempts to provide some real help outside of jail sentences for people with drug-related offenses. If you’ve ever been in his courtroom, you will know that Judge Hundley celebrates with those who are successful in the program and offers support (although maybe sternly) to help those who aren’t.
When thinking about a name for our event this year, we wanted something that encapsulates this thought: Illegal drug use is everyone’s problem.
It is certainly the problem of the addict and his family. It is the problem of the police, the courts, and the jails. It is the problem of the mayor and city council. And the homeless shelters. And local businesses. And hospitals. And churches. Basically, it is the problem of the whole community.
And because that is true, it takes everyone working together for a solution. It takes an “All Rise” kind-of mindset from the whole community.
The Loaves and Fishes Kind of Miracles
His Way was started 15 years ago by 2 or 3 people with a vision to provide Christ-centered recovery in Huntsville. But they never could have done it alone and didn’t imagine where it would take them!
During that time, God has brought so many people together to make the work possible including a board of directors, staff, volunteers, thrift store employees, teachers, counselors, meal-preparers, drivers, mentors, families, employers, and many more. Every one of these people has come to His Way with their own unique story and talents.
In fact, sometimes when we look back at how far we’ve come, we feel like we have been a part of a “loaves and fishes” kind of miracle. In that story, a great crowd was following Jesus, and eventually, they got hungry.
Jesus tested Philip’s faith by asking, “Where can we buy bread for all these people?” Philip answered (correctly!), “It would take more money than we make in 6 months to feed this many people!” But as you know, Jesus was more than able to take the 5 loaves and 2 fish offered by a young boy and turn them into enough to feed everyone.
At His Way, God took the dream of a couple and made it possible by adding a whole army of his people.
So, when you think that the drug problem in our community is too big and that the solution would be too costly, remember that Jesus can take our meager offerings and turn them into big results. We see it every day at His Way and you can be a part of it, too!
What Are Your Loaves and Fishes?
What unique talents and gifts has God given you that could be used to help with His Way’s ministry? We invite you to visit our Volunteer page to learn about open opportunities and to submit an interest form!
If you haven’t reserved your tickets yet for the All Rise dinner, make sure you get your tickets today!