RECOVERING FROM life-controlling issues is challenging but possible. Greater still, restoration of families through recovery is more than possible through God and Be the Bush Recovery Ministries’ (BTB) program in Manchester.
“The world looks at us as a faith-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, and sure, in a sense we are that. But what we really are is a discipleship program. We teach men and women Jesus and in return they not only get free from drugs and alcohol, but a lifestyle of sin. Drugs and alcohol are just the surface issues. We deal with the deep-rooted ones as well at BTB,” said Caleb McCall, director of BTB.
BTB’s residential discipleship/recovery program is three-phased and lasts 12 to 18 months. In phase one, which lasts four months, the schedule follows a daily rotation of work and class, utilizing a curriculum that follows the Teen Challenge model. In phase two, the next four to eight months continue the work/ class rotation and a different curriculum. It also introduces more freedoms and privileges. Phase three covers the last eight to 12 months and provides for re-entry into the community. Students can obtain employment at area businesses through the program director’s assistance or become student leaders through internships.
McCall said, “We follow the fundraising business model. Our students work in the first two phases at our businesses, Bush Boyz Lawn Care and Jehovah Java Coffee Shop. Our program is very structured; it’s like a spiritual boot camp. Visits are allowed once a month, and phone calls once a week. There are no cell phones. We are completely free of all tobacco, controlled substances, and drugs.”
The program presently has a 95% recidivism success rate with its graduates, but McCall sees the restoration of the students to their families as a greater blessing.
“The program is returning contributing tax-paying members into our community. They are completely changed individuals. Dads are returned to their children. Husbands are restored to their wives,” said McCall.
The program’s annual banquet and golf tournament took place in May. Approximately 350 people attended the banquet, and about 100 golfers participated in the tournament. The guest speakers, baseball great Daryl Strawberry and his former teammate Barry Lyons, believe in faith-based recovery and value the restoration of families as the main priority. Testimonies of former students and their families were also a part of the evening’s program.
Women in need of recovery and restoration can find help at Miriam House. Monies raised from the golf tournament further support its ministry and the work of BTB. Together, the 501(c)(3) organizations reunite families and restore hope and light to lives that were once out of control and enveloped in darkness. GN