New healing ministry planned

By Rebecca Miller  
Special to the Pioneer Times  
    HOULTON — Addiction and psychological disorders permeate every aspect of our society — our schools, homes, businesses and churches. Our jails are filled to overflowing with inmates stuck in the cycle of addiction and the “stinkin’ thinkin’” that results from their addiction. Obviously a problem so large, it cannot be “fixed” by just one entity.
    The Link for Hope Coalition in Houlton was born out of a desire to reach those who struggle and provide hope and health for the hurting. Resting Arms Ministries (RAM) was born out of the Faith Link of the Link for Hope Coalition. David Tuttle, pastor of the New Limerick Baptist Church, counseled several people who were either addicted themselves or had a loved one who was addicted. Pastor Tuttle tells of his experience with one such person — “Joe.”
    “He came into our church to see me. He had done it all, drugs, alcohol, lying, cheating, stealing, trouble with the law which resulted in time in jail. He desperately wanted to stay clean, but the odds were stacked against him. He was a felon. So, finding employment was difficult. If he was not working, he could not afford transportation.
    “His family had exhausted all efforts to help him. Because of all the lies and disappointments, they had written him off as ‘can’t be helped.’ They did not know what to do. They did not want him around. Maybe it was a little easier that way. Or, maybe they were so very angry. When he was around them, their anger came out in hurtful ways by telling him he was ‘no good’ or ‘lazy’ or by telling him he could quit if he really wanted to or that he just used his addiction as an excuse.
    “‘Joe’ wanted to spend all his time with me, but realistically that was impossible. So what happens when ‘Joe’ and others like him, have no place to lay their heads, no job, no money and their families have given up on them? ‘Joe’ finds himself going back to the ones who will help him, the inner circle, the ones who will accept him and the ones who will understand him; the drug users, the alcoholics, the people who will share their bed, their food and their drugs.
 “‘Joe’ goes back with the idea that he is going back because he has to, but it is only going to be temporary, until he gets on his feet. ‘Joe’ thinks he’s going to stay clean though. But once he goes back, temptation is too much and soon he is back where he started. After two or three time of trying to get clean and stay clean, ‘Joe’ just gives up and says to himself: ‘What’s the use. I don’t care anymore.’ But he does care.”
    According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use, 16 million people need immediate treatment for substance abuse, not to mention sex, pornography, eating disorders and other addictions. “Joe” certainly is not the only addicted person I have counseled with during my time in the ministry,” said Pastor Tuttle. “About three or four years ago, God began speaking to me about starting a faith-based treatment program in Aroostook County. I tried to ignore Him, but He is a persistent God!”
    Pastor Tuttle contacted me as chairperson of the Faith Link of the Link for Hope Coalition. Together we  found a few like-minded people who were willing to meet, pray and brainstorm. Along the journey to find the right fit for Aroostook County, the board of directors of RAM discovered His Mansion Ministries (HMM) of New Hampshire. We liked what we saw and developed a non-legal partnership with HMM.
    The following are some of the attributes of HMM that are desired for RAM: they developed their program through prayer and rely on continual spirit-driven support; they take no state or federal funds; no  one will be turned away for lack of funds; residents are required to work three days a week along with daily chores; they raise and their own produce and meat; their program’s duration is 12–13 months; residents live and work together with mentors and other staff.
    Area residents will have the opportunity to hear more about His Mansion Ministries because staff and residents will be coming to Aroostook County in October. We encourage you to please join The Link for Hope Coalition, Resting Arms Ministries and His Mansion Ministries at one of the following locations and hear more: Friday, Oct. 23, Houlton Regional Hospital, Community Education Center, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 24, Patten Methodist Church in Patten, 7 p.m.; and, Sunday, Oct. 25, Military Street Baptist Church in Houlton, 8:30 a.m.
    Resting Arms Ministries’ desire is to provide a safe haven where residents will learn healthy living skills.  They will have the opportunity to heal in a community which exhibits an atmosphere of grace, love and compassion.