CHURCHES STRIKE BACK

Pastors Use God's Word As Effective Weapon

The Rev. Bill Saffley, pastor of Michael Memorial Baptist Church, Gulfport

Jared Savoy, youth minister, Northwood Christian Center, Gulfport

The word of God and close-knit relationships in small groups are among the
ways some South Mississippi churches are fighting drug and alcohol problems
among youths.

Clergymen and teenagers alike agree that it works for those who are willing
to hear God's word and apply the Scriptures to life's every problem. But
they're quick to point out that it's more about having a personal
relationship with God than about going to church.

"If we live according to God's word, it works and radically changes
individual lives," said the Rev. Bill Saffley, pastor of Michael Memorial
Baptist in Gulfport.

"Scripture tells us how to live, and it specifically speaks against
addiction," he said, "but our focus is not really on drugs and alcohol, but
the underlying problems. Every church that teaches the Bible has walking
examples of deliverance."

His church has its own youth pastor, youth services, activities and small
group meetings on issues that concern them primarily.

"What you say to a 55-year-old isn't necessarily what a 15-year-old needs
to hear," Saffley said.

Another Gulfport church, Northwood Christian Center, has a teen program,
Strait Gate, with its own services and worship music by a teen youth band
that mixes today's sounds with eternal messages.

"We establish an environment for young people to be introduced to the word
of God, and we use personal application in small groups, where young people
can feel comfortable and open up," said Jared Savoy, youth minister.

"Every generation has had its problems," he said. "The traps for today's
youths are just packaged differently and present themselves in different
ways. But God's word works the same today as it did yesterday."

One thing that has changed is a breakdown in the family, Savoy said.

"That's why we at Northwood feel like the close-knit approach through
relationships in small groups gives every youth a place to belong. It works
for those who make themselves a part of it."

Area churches use rallies, luaus, concerts and other special events to
introduce teenagers to the word of God.

But the type of program offered isn't what matters, said Shannon Hamel of
Lemoyne Boulevard Baptist in D'Iberville.

"It's important to be around other Christians who believe the same thing
you do, and where you can feel like you can talk about anything," said
Hamel, a D'Iberville High graduate and college student.

Luke Smitherman, a Biloxi High senior and member of First Baptist Church of
Biloxi, said it's more than going to church.

"A bunch of us were doing the church thing, but we weren't really saved,"
he said. "The summer after eighth grade, I experienced Jesus Christ for the
first time in my life, and it was just something radical in my life and I
had no desire to do the things I used to do. I got away from trying to look
older and trying to be cool in front of my friends."

Saint Pierre's Episcopal Church of Gautier addresses alcohol-related
problems head-on by steering people toward a better life and by hosting
meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, said the Rev. Scott Lenoir.

"You live in a land where people love to keep secrets," Lenoir said, but
"people suffering from addiction is one of the top secrets nurtured by
well-meaning family and friends. In the past, we denied the reality of
addiction and sought healing by addressing the wrong issues. Most of us in
the clergy, health care and counseling are wiser today than we were.

"Addiction and abuse are cunning foes. Just saying 'no' doesn't work with
those who are afflicted with an addictive disease. There is help available,
however."

Most Catholic churches have youth organizations that serve as a preventive
approach against drug and alcohol abuse, said the Rev. Patrick Mockler of
Our Lady of Fatima in Biloxi.

Priests also refer parishioners to professionals in the community, and
beyond pastoral counselling, specialized counselling is available through
Catholic Social Services, he said.