ASHLAND —
Asking God’s help with drug issue
Every day I am saddened when I hear stories of children in our region suffering from abuse or neglect because their parents are addicted to drugs.
Every day my heart breaks for families struggling to cope with a loved one’s addiction.
Every day nearly three people die in Kentucky because of drugs.
Every day I pray that something can be done about the escalating abuse of prescription painkillers.
Drug abuse and addiction are prevalent in every community. The average age of first-time drug use in southern and eastern Kentucky is age 11. It is a problem that won’t go away on its own, and cannot be solved unless we all take a stand.
Let’s ignite a “Fire in the Mountains” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at three simultaneous regional prayer rallies to be at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville, Somerset Christian School Auditorium in Somerset, and the Old Corbin Civic Center in Corbin. “Fire in the Mountains” is a free event for people of all faiths who are concerned about drug abuse, addiction and recovery to come together as one through prayer.
Each program will feature prayers led by leaders representing many segments of the community — reflecting the broad impact of the drug epidemic — as well as special speakers and worship selections.
We hope the rallies will give concerned citizens an opportunity to volunteer to make a difference in people’s lives, whether through prevention, treatment, or support for those dealing with addiction-related issues. We envision the “Fire” to spread throughout southern and eastern Kentucky, sparking on-going prayer events in all counties.
For more information about “Fire in the Mountains” contact Carl Varney at 606-594-8144 or cvarney@centertech.com.
We need everyone involved. Let us all come together at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov.18, to pray with one unified voice crying out to God for help with the drug problem.
Karen Kelly, Director, Operation UNITE
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