A Simple Act of Faith
by Harold Spellman, Ph.D.,
Peniel Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center

From the time God showed Marion Spellman the need for effective drug and alcohol treatment from a Christian perspective, she has not wavered. Since 1989 Peniel Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment Facility located in Johnstown, Pa., has been more than a dream; it is a reality.

Dr. Spellman, like the woman in Matthew 26:6-13, has given her best to Jesus. It is reported in this scripture that a woman came to Jesus, "...having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on His head."

What was the significance of this ointment? James 2:17 states that, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." She used her ointment as an opportunity to express her faith in Jesus. This woman gave Jesus her love, her sacrifice, and her service.

Christ was so moved by this single act of faith that He defended her when she was criticized and ridiculed by His own disciples. When they saw what she had done, "...they had indignation, saying, to what purpose is this waste?" (Matthew 26:8, 9). Often worldly thinking interprets what we do for God as wasteful.

In our human efforts we have proven that we are not capable of solving the substance abuse problem. Man's philosophies and psychology have failed miserably. A recent Barna research reveals 13 percent of pastors' kids between the ages of 10 and 30 have used or are using drugs. Recent studies by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration show that more than 139 million Americans are using alcohol regularly, and more than 23 million are abusing drugs. These numbers are staggering in a country with a total population of 274 million. The studies also show that more than half of the people in the U.S. are drinking or abusing drugs regularly.

For religious organizations the relevance of these studies becomes clearer considering that 73 percent of women and 63 percent of men in the U.S. have some kind of religious affiliation and that 75 percent consider their religion to be very important (Princeton University Press, 1998, p. 345).

We should not be surprised since God has already spoken on the subject. Jeremiah states that it is not in man's capabilities to solve his own problems (Jeremiah 10:23). Any plan without God's direct input is doomed to fail.

We thank God that today we can report that God has chosen the Church of God to be a tool that is successfully doing something to address this problem. Peniel Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment Center is ministering to the needs of those caught in the web of chemical abuse. With your "simple act of faith" - your love, your sacrifice, and your service - we can do much more.

This 12-month program with a 6-month aftercare component serves individuals 18 years and older who are serious about changing their lifestyles. Peniel accepts both men and women at our Johnstown Facility.