THERE’S A certain kind of light that shines on people who have walked through darkness and come out the other side. You can see it in Anthony and Jessica Earhart, the husband-and-wife duo behind Rooted in Christ Recovery. This light glows with redemption, healing, wisdom, and faith. Their transition from addiction to ministry is inspiring — but it’s also proof of what grace and grit can do.
Anthony battled addiction for 30 years, struggling with substance abuse and fighting an enemy that seemed impossible to defeat. He described his former self as “a broken shell of a man, almost dead with a needle in his arm, hungry and afraid.”
But on April 13, 2025, he celebrates four years of sobriety, which he credits to God’s mercy. That victory planted the seed for what would become Rooted in Christ Recovery — an outreach ministry that helps others break free from addiction and find a more fulfilling life.
Jessica, however, has a story of her own.
“I did try substances for a while,” she said. “But depression is really where my addiction came from, and if it wasn’t for God’s love, I wouldn’t be here today either.”
They began their ministry with a virtual support network on Facebook, which quickly grew to more than 70,000 followers. After sharing his testimony at a church in Decherd, Anthony realized how important it was for people to tell their personal stories.
“One guy came to Christ right after the testimony,” he said.
With support from their former church, Anthony and Jessica started Table Talk, a weekly support group for open discussions about addiction and recovery. As the group grew, they felt called to establish their own place of worship.
In July 2024, they began holding services in a friend’s workshop, starting with 18 members. Their congregation has since grown to over 90 people, gathering for Wednesday Bible studies, Friday Table Talks, and Sunday services.
Rooted in Christ Recovery also addresses the broader needs of the community. The food ministry serves more than 100 families each week. Partnering with Westside Nazarene Church, they distribute food to those who may not have access due to transportation or financial limitations.
“We fill their cars full of physical food, but we give them spiritual food, too,” Anthony said. “We love on, pray for, and build relationships with everyone that comes through our food ministry.”
Their ministry even reaches those outside of Tullahoma. Partnering with seven other ministries, they joined Jennifer Moore with Soul Savages, who launched Disciple the Street, a program that brings aid to unhoused individuals in different cities, including Chattanooga, Nashville, and locations in Georgia.
“In October 2024, we went to Nashville. We fed more than 400 homeless people,” Anthony said. “That day, we got vans ready to take whoever was willing off the streets and into recovery homes. Eight people said yes.”
But their mission doesn’t stop at meeting immediate needs. Anthony and Jessica are focused on longterm restoration.
Bryan Mosley, a Rooted in Christ Recovery pastor, and Anthony own Rooted in Christ Construction, a business that employs and trains people transitioning from addiction to self-sufficiency. They want to make sure individuals leaving recovery have the tools to rebuild their lives. The men in their recovery program work alongside them, learning carpentry, drywall, flooring, and other practical skills they can use to secure stable employment — or even start their own businesses.
The team also oversees a recovery home, Casting Net Ministry, owned by Chris Lewullis, where five men reside. Each morning begins with Proverbs and fellowship before heading off to work.
The same light that shines on Anthony and Jessica now spreads to those they serve. Together, they are proving that no one is ever too far gone — and with faith, community, and a whole lot of love, redemption is always within reach. GN
For more information, visit Rooted in Christ Recovery on Facebook.
