June 11th, 2008
I attended the luncheon at the Mental Health facility to hear the news that more money has been cut from the state budget as it relates to helping those who need mental help. In the FY 08, 8 positions frozen, residential support payments, psychological testing materials and over 80% of One Shots eliminated, for a total of $695,070. This will effect the Rural Clinics in a negative way as they are already stretched beyond capacity with people waiting months for clinical help . I believe that this is continuing to open the doors for the local churches as we look at the P.E.A.C.E. program proposed by Rick Warren.
It is time that we put the hands and feet back on the local churches. Local churches need to use this time to reach out to more people in the community by being a beacon of light to the community. I realize that we are not or do we have qualified therapists, but I do know that we can offer a place of comfort, security, fellowship and hope for those who are waiting on the lists to see a therapist. We do offer a Christ Centered 12 step program that has impacted lives and have brought people to the saving grace of Christ.
I plan to meet with the pastors in the community and talk to them about what more can be done to help the most affected of our community. I would like to know your thoughts on what could be done by the local church that is not being done now.

I venture into the new world of blogs this day. I look forward to seeing how GOD can use a tool like this to further my ministry and spread the good news of the gospel. I welcome your comments, and your questions.
God has been faithful in this small town, I have seen lives changed by His grace, marriages healed by His love, and bodies made whole again by his healing.