Page 11 - AWFT DECHERD CHRISTIAN CENTER

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Page 3 YOUR ORGANIZATION IN THE NEXT EDITION?
(469) 309-2364
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BROKEN CHAINS IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Broken Chains in Corsicana, Texas is a faith-based, in- ter-denominational, not-for-profit organization. Trusting in God they have provided a response to the very real problem of alcohol and drug addiction in 100’s of lives since 2003.
Broken Chains believe they have a mandate to reach out to those who are struggling with addictions, regardless of the nature of their addiction.
Broken Chains provides counseling, housing, transporta- tion, as well as, employment placement with companies
in our community,
INTERVIEW WITH PASTOR LARRY BRADFORD
INTERVIEWER: “Pastor Larry, being one of co-founders of this outreach, what was your initial vision for Broken Chains?”
LARRY:
“Our initial vision is the same vision we have for today, and that is
to point people with addictions to a Christ who has power to break the chains of addiction in their lives.”
INTERVIEWER: “How do you accom- plish that?”
LARRY:
“First, by sharing Christ’s love with
them; how He died on the cross for their sins and rose again from
the dead to break the chains and addictions that bind them. Al- though there are many programs that point those with addictions to a higher power, we tell them who that pow- er is, and His name is Jesus Christ!”
We believe those with addictions need to look to God. Since our creator is the One who made us, He knows how to fix us when we are broken.”
INTERVIEWER:
“Do you take men who are struggling with addictions even if they don’t have any money”?
LARRY:
“The truth is, this is the way almost all of those who come to us seeking help are in.
They are down and they are broke. Where most programs like this need to have so much money up front, we don’t turn anyone down because of lack of finances.”
INTERVIEWER: “How do you make it then? How do you take care of all your bills and expenses?”
LARRY:
“I must admit, this
is one of our greatest challenges. We took care of this personally when we started, but now that things are growing, it
is a challenge. After we secure a job for the men and provide transpor- tation for them, they do give us some each week to help out.”
INTERVIEWER: “What is your biggest need now?”
LARRY:
“We do need finances, food, and other neces- sary items to take care of the needs of those who come seeking help. One of our biggest needs now is transportation. We are believing for
two good vans so we
will be able to provide transportation to work and out around town,
to help them with their needs.”
INTERVIEWER: “Larry, thanks for your time and sharing your vision with us. We will
INTERVIEW WITH GERALDINE STEPHENS
INTERVIEWER: “Geraldine, you too were one of the co-founders of this ministry outreach?”
GERALDINE:
“Yes, we began this min- istry to the addicted in September, 2018.”
INTERVIEWER:
“I understand you work in all the aspects of Broken Chains, but your special vision is for wom- en.”
GERALDINE:
“Yes it is. Very often we feel that women are the most vulnerable and overlooked. We have a separate home for wom- en.”
INTERVIEWER:
“Do just work with wom- en with addictions?
GERALDINE:
“No, regardless of what their need is, we are open to help them, whether the women have addic- tions or have been kicked out by an abusive boy- friend, or are homeless, or whatever. We are here to lend them a helping hand to get back on their feet. Some women come expecting a baby, or with a child, or all alone. We take them as they are and find them jobs, counsel them and help them be- come a productive mem- ber of society.”
INTERVIEWER: “Since you have been
a registered nurse for years, no doubt your background is a big help toyou.”
GERALDINE:
“It certainly is. Especial- ly when you are working with people who have often been struggling with addictions for years.”
INTERVIEWER:
“Are the women who come to you required to pay anything in order to receive help from Bro- ken Chains?
GERALDINE:
“No, we can’t turn any- one down who needs our help. We have learned that most of those who need help the most, have absolutely nothing. If we turned down women or men, because of lack of mon- ey, we would be turning away those who need our help the most.”
INTERVIEWER: “Do you have enough staff to take care of the needs?”
GERALDINE:
“We certainly don’t. This is far bigger than us, and its growing! We desperately need more volunteer help. Every- one is volunteering their time. If we didn’t, there would be no Broken Chains ministry here to reach out to the needs.”
INTERVIEWER:
“If people want to volunteer or help with finances for this com- munity outreach, how can they get in touch with you?”
GERALDINE:
“They can call me at 931-636-0556 or Larry at 931-636-1373.”
INTERVIEWER: “Geraldine, we admire you in what you are doing. Most people don’t desire to be in- convenienced by oth- er people’s problems and needs. Thanks for opening up your heart and being willing to be there for those who may need your help the most. Thank you for your time for this interview. I do hope the community here in Franklin County gets behind you and sup- ports this project for our community.”
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philipians 4:13