WE MAY have made it to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is still a real epidemic today: drug overdose. McCall fell into drug dealing and usage at 11 years old. At 25 years old, McCall attended a church service at Canvas Community Church in Manchester that inspired him to leave his life of drug dealing.
McCall attended Teen Challenge in Virginia and Pennsylvania, splitting time in each state for one year, which he said helped to push him to be a better person.
McCall eventually met his now-wife and got married. After graduating and coming home, he was put on staff as a young adult pastor at Canvas Community Church for four years.
In 2016, McCall was led to pay it forward and start a recovery ministry back in his hometown of Manchester since there were no other recovery ministries at that time.
“The Lord started working on my heart and said, ‘I want you to start this program.’”
Be the Bush Ministries (BTB), a discipleship and rehabilitation program for men, opened its doors on September 1, 2018.
In the same way, God spoke to Moses through the burning bush as a vessel; He would use the recovered addict to speak to the world, which is where the ministry gets its name.
“If God can speak through a bush, He can speak through the life of somebody redeemed by the cross.”
BTB Ministries is structured similarly to Teen Challenge. Each participant in the program will learn work skills through the work therapy part of the program. They have businesses where the men work—Bush Boyz Moving Co. and Bush Boyz Lawn Care. Work ethic and knowing how to conduct themselves within a community are a big part of what is taught there. Most importantly, BTB men through biblical discipleship classes.
“I teach men Jesus, and in return, they are set free from not only drugs and alcohol (surface issue) but a lifestyle of sin.”
A typical day at BTB is waking up and attending a morning devotional with a pastor from the community, ministry partnership, or staff. The morning devotional is followed by working or attending class and an evening devotional with a pastor. BTB may be a rehabilitation program for some, but it means another shot at living a healthy and sustainable life for countless others.
“A lot of people are dying. Hundreds of thousands of people are dying every year in America due to drug overdoses, especially with the use of fentanyl these days.”
Coffee County had three fatal overdoses within 10 days, in November, which hits home for many community members, including McCall. 95% of the graduates avoid recidivism, and the 12-18 month program is tailored to each individual, meaning they graduate when they are prepared, which increases their likelihood of success after graduation. Drug addiction is a real issue that requires immediate attention, and with the help of fellow community members, ministries like BTB can further their mission to save thousands of lives.
“Addiction does not discriminate. It does not care if you’re white, black, poor, pink, purple, or rich. It can get ahold of you if you allow it.”
The ministry is looking for donors, teachers, pastors, prayers, partners, and mentors who have the heart to serve.
“I believe it’s essential for our community to know that we’re here for them.” GN
