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Ohio Valley Teen Challenge is a faith-based solution for the drug epidemic
YOUNGSTOWN
“Your struggle is real,” said the Rev. Krista Tyson of Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church in Youngstown, a phrase she asked men in the Ohio Valley Teen Challenge’s adult residential program to repeat, which they did in loud voices.
“Your struggle is real, and your anointing by God is real, too. The struggle is real, but God is greater. There is no mistake in your life that can make God go to Plan B,” said the Rev. Mrs. Tyson, an internationally known minister, who spoke Sunday at a community meeting at the men’s facility.
Also addressing the men Sunday was Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally, who reflected on the meaning of Pentecost Sunday.
“At times in our lives we need something that gives us peace and calm and warmth and strength to meet our challenges and keep us on the right track,” he said.
“With the help of God and the support of Teen Challenge and the other men here, and hopefully your families, you can face your challenges,” McNally said.
During a question-and-answer period, McNally was asked how he handles the issue of separation of church and state.
The mayor said an elected official has some separation of church and state on actions, but also said, “I don’t think the precludes acting on personal beliefs.”
Ohio Valley Teen Challenge provides a 12- to 14-month faith-based program for men 18 and older who are struggling with drugs or alcohol.
The adult facility on Youngstown’s North Side currently has 52 residents. The facility has a capacity of 68.
The men participate in numerous activities including devotions, Bible study, work experience, classes and recreation.
The opiate problem is out of control, and sometimes the faith-based programs get overlooked, said Pastor Roy Barnett.
“There has to be a heart change ... a life change. It is a true miracle what God is doing here,” he said.
“The building didn’t cost us a penny to renovate because of the generosity of donors and the hard work of our men,” he said.
“But the greatest miracle is the transformation of the men who come into this building and meet Jesus. We are not a treatment center. We are a Christian discipleship program. Jesus transformed me. I’m truly healed, and it heals about 40 percent of the residents here,” said Pastor Barnett, who said he was once an addict.
Events such as Sunday’s are to let the communities of Trumbull and Mahoning counties know that Ohio Valley Teen Challenge exists.
“Also, by bringing in community leaders to speak, it helps the residents feel connected with the community and its leaders,” Pastor Barnett said.
“The men here are residents of Youngstown. Hopefully, something I say will help them out,” McNally said.
The speaker series lets the residents know they are not forgotten. “It’s a message of hope,” Pastor Barnett said.