New Life Mission offers hope

Residents and staff members of God's New Life Mission Bible Training Center gather around the center's sign for a photo. (Democrat photo/Josh Martin) [Click to enlarge]

To find hope when it is most needed is truly a miraculous thing. For many facing the struggles of life, God's New Life Mission Bible Training Center in Marked Tree has been a facilitator of not only hope, but also second chances.

God's New Life Mission Bible Training Center is a non-profit, non-denominational organization designed to assist people from all backgrounds who are dealing with the dangers of drug, alcohol and emotional problems. The center utilizes the Bible and its teachings to help its participants make a change in their lives.

Tommy Payne of Rector has been a volunteer at the center for the last year. Payne, pastor of the Cardwell Community Church, began his involvement with the program as his own son was attending the center. The more he saw of the center, the more he believed in the importance of the work being done. He soon was taking part, visiting the center multiple times a month to assist in the ministry.

"I felt called," Payne said. "I saw the wonderful things they were doing there and I knew it was something I wanted to be involved with."

Payne says the program, which is visited by those seeking assistance, as well as those remanded there by the courts, has an 89 percent success rating for those it treats. He says this is due in large part to the staff in place, all of whom are volunteers, and the discipleship program used to introduce those who take part to the Bible and its teachings.

"It's run real well," Payne said. "They have a schedule in place which everyone follows."

A typical day at the center runs from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. The day features multiple devotion and counseling sessions, as well as chore assignments for enrollees.

Payne says, at first, he was uncertain about the program and its effectiveness. However, he soon found himself as one of its staunchest supporters.

"I had my doubts about it when I first got involved. I was afraid it was a place where people went to hide out and not go to jail. The truth is, most of the people who go there really do want help. They really do want to have a better life."

Payne believes the program has saved, both spiritually and physically, the majority of its participants.

"Without this place, the young men and women there would likely be in prison or jail, or maybe even dead. Because of what they've learned there, these young people are getting a chance to improve their life and become productive citizens. I feel like God's working there. We've had so many good things come from there."

Payne says the center has had such a strong influence on some of its participants that many are turning to ministry themselves. He says the counselors have gone through the program themselves and have a strong understanding of the importance of their work.

However, the center is facing challenges of its own. While the current economic struggles are felt by all, increased costs are especially hard to overcome for non-profit organizations such as this which are funded totally by donations. As all the work at the center is done by volunteers, all the money brought into the program is used for covering the numerous expenses accrued from housing 50 to 75 people. Payne says available funds are stretched thin providing food and utility costs. Comforts such as the cooling system, which needs repair, must be overlooked to make sure the absolute essentials are being met.

While the program is grateful to the area churches and volunteers who offer assistance, Payne hopes more groups and individuals will come forward to aid the program.

"We would like to see some of the bigger churches take this program on as an outreach ministry. The work that's being done there is very important and is a service to all the communities in this part of the state. We need to do what we can to make sure it remains open and able to help those who need it."

Persons who would like more information may contact the God's New Life Mission Bible Training Center at (870) 358-4851.