Spring 2022 - Update

Love Them To Life Spring 2022 Newsletter

Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Jesus.

One of my favorite hymns is "It is Well With My Soul," written by Horatio Spafford after the loss of his children as a testimony of hope and comfort in the face of horrific pain and grief. The first two verses are as follows:

"When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll.

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blessed assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul."

Is there anyone these days who does not feel buffeted? The world-wide effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial and political instability, and the addiction epidemic can cause us to wonder what is next.

I read an article recently on the increase of alcohol use during the pandemic. 60% of people increased their alcohol consumption during COVID-19 lockdowns. Approximately 95,000 American's die from the effects of alcohol each year; worldwide, up to 3.3 million people die each year as a result of alcohol abuse. Even moderate consumption of alcohol causes an increase in diseases including a variety of cancers. It also has immediate effects on diminished brain size.

Why are so many people turning to substances that have so many possible negative effects? Why do people put drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in their body, knowing that they are looking down the barrel of a loaded gun each time they use? It all comes down to numbing. Life feels unbearable and hopeless and the desire to escape is far greater than the concerns for health and safety.

The message that Love Them To Life continues to bring is that there is hope. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope for those in despair, including the families of those enslaved by addiction. I am continuing to minister through the Monday night Zoom meetings for women who have a loved one in addiction and being available for individual counseling by phone, as well as being available to speak at churches and to groups about the problem of addiction, the impact on families, and the hope that is in Jesus Christ.

In February, I went to a Christian writers' conference in North Carolina. While standing in line for dinner the first night, a couple behind me, who were there for a pastors and wives conference, started asking some questions as to why I was there. When I explained that I was writing another book on addiction, the wife told me that she has been dealing for years with her mother who is a heroin addict and is really struggling with it. I had a copy of Beside Still Waters: Discovering Peace in the Midst of Your Child's Addiction with me and gave it to her. She was so amazed and grateful that Father had put me in line right in front of her just when she needed help.

There have been some changes to the structure of Love Them To Life recently. Grace Fellowship International's board invited LTTL to come under their umbrella as an associate ministry and to have all donations to LTTL run through their office. This has been a benefit in many ways, including freeing me up from the bookkeeping end of things and also giving LTTL a broader exposure through Grace Fellowship's contacts. I am very grateful to Dr. John Woodward and the board of GFI as well as the office staff who have been so supportive of this decision.

The mission of LTTL has not changed. We are continuing to bring hope and help to families who have loved ones in addiction. We are excited to see how Father will expand this ministry in the coming days.

Please pray for the following requests:

1. For the women who attend the Monday night Zoom meeting. Their hearts are broken as they watch their loved ones destroying their lives. Please pray also for the other LTTL groups that meet in various locations.

2. In the process of reorganizing, we have lost some financial support. Please pray that Father will bring those who will see the need for this ministry and will support it with both prayers and donations.

3. I am finishing up a second book on addiction called Set Free: Finding Truth and Hope When a Loved One is Addicted. Please pray for wisdom in seeking a publisher vs self-publishing. There are very few Christ-centered, Bible-based books on addiction and its impact on the family.

If Father lays it on your heart to support the ministry of LTTL, you may do so in the following ways:

  • By check: please make the check out to Grace Fellowship International, PO Box 368, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868. *Please put Love Them To Life on the memo line - this is very important as they handle finances for a number of ministries and won't know where to apply it.

Thank you for your continued support. We could not do this without you.

-Cherri