ELIZABETHTOWN — Minister Phil Murray knows addiction’s ferocious hold and hell.
That memory of what he fought years ago with a cocaine habit still shakes him — and keeps him wide-eyed and eager to reach out to others in the same struggle. So he’ll be among organizers of a free event called Fresh Start slated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17 at Ninth Street Park, 1023 Ninth St. in Columbus.
The gathering is just one part of Faith, Hope and Love Church of God In Christ’s multifaceted approach to helping fight the local drug problem. The Christian church launched a jail ministry last year, among other efforts.
“We just wanted to do something about the drug and alcohol problem,” said the Rev. Mike Harris, the church’s longtime pastor.
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A previous, similar gathering in 2015 at the park attracted more than 300 people.
And this outreach event, featuring food, music, three-on-three basketball and Christian testimonies of those who have found freedom from addiction, represents one way of extending a lifeline to those needing simple hope that their habit can be overcome.
“We want people to be able to see and hear individuals who have been where they (addicts) are,” said Roxanna Gipson, who leads the women’s jail ministry at the church and is among the Fresh Start organizers. “And we want them to be able to see firsthand how God has turned their life around.”
One of those speaking will be former Columbus resident Destrey Brown, who served a year in prison for drug violations. He now lives and ministers in Washington, Indiana.
“I really got ahold of the recovery part of it,” he said in a Republic interview three years ago. “The renewal of my mind and Jesus was my X factor. I needed that supernatural power.”
He has now been clean for five years.
“Since we’re going to be right at the park, we pray that people see that we’re doing this, and it might be a place where some might feel comfortable coming up and saying ‘I need some help,’” Murray said.
A representative from the local Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention will be on hand to help either the addicted or their family members or friends. Plus, someone from the local Recovery Center will be available. There will be containers for people to drop off unused drugs as a step toward change.
“This is obviously not just a small issue,” Murray said. “We’d like to help the community understand that it really takes a village to create an impact for change — and we’d like to remind churches that it’s time to drop our walls and work together to reach people.”
Gipson said she began realizing the widespread impact of the area’s opioid crisis a few years ago.
“Just about everybody in today’s society knows someone dealing with a drug or alcohol problem,” she said. “It’s not limited to certain kinds of families, and it’s not limited to one generation or race or social status. It’s so very widespread.
“We just want (hurting) people to know one thing: We as a community are here for you.’”
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What: Fresh Start, a free, informal gathering to help the addicted or their families. The event will feature food, music, three-on-three basketball, speakers, information and resources for those battling addiction.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17.
Where: Ninth Street Park, 1023 Ninth St. in Columbus.
Information: Facebook page for Faith Hope and Love Church of God In Christ.
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