In 2017, we heard more than ever about the opioid crisis in the United States. There seems to be bipartisan agreement that a serious problem exists, and perhaps even a bipartisan agreement on meaningful solutions.
Last year, I became deeply involved in the opioid crisis in my county when one of my church members lost a granddaughter to a heroin overdose. He and his family were hurting deeply, and I felt God leading me to do something more than offer pastoral presence and comfort.
Over the last year we have attempted to launch a recovery ministry in our community for people dealing with various addictions. It’s slow going. Building trust with those already in the recovery community, understandably, takes time. Many in our community and regionally are not yet willing to admit that the opioid epidemic is upon us.
No doubt, many readers may wonder, “What can I do,” or “What can my church do?”
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Jonathan Davis is pastor of Beale Memorial Baptist Church in Tappahannock, Va.
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