Shelbyville Church, Shelbyville, Kentucky, is a church of 70 members just east of Louisville, Kentucky. Like most communities today, Shelbyville residents are concerned about the problem of drugs, alcohol, and other addictions. The community already has two active ministries that address the drug problem, but the church wanted to show the cause of all addictive behavior and offer a solution of true health and happiness. They decided to use their Ingathering Reversion funds, combined with additional church funds, to finance a seminar.
Derick Logan and his family had moved to the county. He had experience in conducting addiction seminars, and the church decided to ask him and his wife, Deeana, to conduct a four-part “Breaking Free” seminar.
The seminar combined the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s health message with the presentation of the Gospel to address the addiction problem. In preparation for the meetings, Derick trained the members on how to participate and interact with the guests. A colorful brochure proclaiming “Breaking Free! Become the BEST Version of You!” with phone numbers and a website where participants could preregister was shared by the church members. The seminar was advertised in the local newspaper and on the radio station, promising attendees they would learn to overcome depression, break destructive habits, eliminate lifestyle-induced diseases, and live the abundant life. There were approximately 60 attendees on opening night, November 24, 2018, at the Stratton Community Center in downtown Shelbyville.
Each Wednesday evening guests were welcomed and registered. Sessions were opened with prayer, followed by a health nugget by Deeana focusing on the eight laws of health, and food samples and recipes. Derick then followed with his messages about “The Origin of Disease,” “God’s Most Effective Remedies,” “Mind Cure,” and “Living the Abundant Life.” Closing the evening were door prizes that promoted healthful living, followed by closing prayer.
Nightly attendance averaged 50 with eight to 12 guests each evening. Already, eight individuals have signed up for cooking classes, and four have signed up for Bible studies. More than half of those in attendance rededicated their lives to Christ.
Kentucky-Tennessee | February 2019
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