Is God Calling You to Help
Olive Branch Mission?
by Marilyn Wright

Everyone wants the youth to take a mission trip, but how many of us adults have taken one? I can probably count the number from our church on one hand. Most of us will probably never get to Africa or Haiti, but why can't we take a mission trip in the United States? How about Olive Branch Mission?

My husband Ed and I were part of a group that took a weekend trip to Chicago, and that is when we fell in love with Olive Branch Mission (OBM). At OBM, heart miracles aren't occasional — they're the expected outcome of prayer and loving ministry to hurting people. God's deliverance is real! Just as the OBM mission statement says, God is "doing the impossible" as only He can do it.

Olive Branch Mission boasts an amazing success rate for those who complete the Life Transformation Program. Ninety percent of those who complete the program are drug free five years later, not because Olive Branch has a great treatment center, but because God is able to deliver and to keep His own. At OBM, it's all about God.

The evidence is everywhere. It's in the exuberant "glory alleluias" of the song service as voices that once cursed now shout praises. It's in the raised hands of surrender. It's in the evangelistic hearts of these new Christians, who know what they are saved from and want to share it with the world.

We recently returned to Olive Branch. That's when we met David. He was the first resident to make us welcome, including us at his table for dinner the first evening. When he found out Ed and our friend, Roy, were installing ceiling fans, he quickly volunteered to help. He is a skilled carpenter, and because of his willingness to help, others joined in and 34 fans were installed in a day and a half.

David was looking for a "spiritual-based" program to help him overcome his drug habit. He had received Christ as a child. What he knew of faith then has been reaffirmed at OBM. "I've always been compassionate and loved people, but it has given me a better understanding of myself, and I have a peace now I didn't have" he says. David, now in his final weeks at OBM, feels a "personal responsibility" to stay in touch with Olive Branch Mission once he leaves and says, "This is a stage in my life I wouldn't trade for anything."

Betty was five months pregnant when she and her two children were evicted from their home. She had no one to turn to for help, so she came to Olive Branch Mission. She is grateful for a place to stay and meals provided by the mission. With the help of OBM, she has been saving money to start again. Now, seven months later, her life is turning around. She has found a job at a Family Dollar store and located an apartment. She and her children will be leaving soon. "I will keep in touch. I will volunteer. I will never forget Olive Branch Mission," she promises. "This is my home away from home. I'll always come back here."

Michael once worked in a law office. He was also a deejay. In his suit and tie, he doesn't look like the drug addict stereotype. Yet, he knows the bondage of alcohol and cocaine. "I didn't think they'd get me," he says.

Although he tried to stay sober on his own, he couldn't do it. The 12-step program he tried wasn't effective either. At last he realized there had to be a spiritual battle going on. "The enemy wants to do more than kill you. He wants you to die in your sin," he says. At the detoxification center, someone recommended Olive Branch Mission.

Michael says the difference is his life is "night and day." Jesus is his source of peace and hope. Who at OBM has influenced him? He can't name an individual, but says, "It's a group of holy people who operate as one spirit."

About a month from now, Michael will be leaving as a graduate of the Life Transformation Program. "When you leave, a piece of Olive Branch Mission goes with you," he says. As president of United Men of Purpose, the alumni association being formed as a support network, he will still be involved with the mission. He also wants to do some type of outreach ministry. He has found out God can deliver, and he "just can't wait to tell people."

Victor has been at OBM six months. He began using drugs as a teen. Although he met Jesus on June 6, 1998, and was clean for two years, he slipped back into the old life until he was ready for real change. Then he came to OBM. What he learned about Jesus in the church where he used to attend, he has learned to apply at Olive Branch Mission. "The courses are geared to get you past addiction and what led you there," he says.

Victor will be the vice president of United Men of Purpose when he completes the Life Transformation Program. He plans to keep attending church services at The Chapel, the OBM church. "I'm all for the Lord!" he says now.

Robert's former life included cocaine addiction, gang activities, shooting, and imprisonment in the penitentiary — once for drugs and once for hijacking. Flashbacks and dreams were the torment of his early days at OBM. "It's the devil's last try to get you out of here," he explains. One night he awoke from a vivid dream with the taste of cocaine in his mouth. "That's Satan giving you a taste of what you're missing, " he remembers.

In the seven weeks Robert has been at Olive Branch Mission, he has learned about spiritual warfare. He found surrender to be the key to overcoming Satan's attacks and says, "Surrender means you allow the Holy Spirit to come in and get the boxing gloves to fend off other spirits."

On the heels of spiritual warfare came struggles with the flesh, Robert told me. "Self-control is what we lacked, but with the Holy Spirit guiding you, there's nothing negative you can't walk past. If anyone has surrendered to Jesus Christ, then you can achieve. Every day is a blessing!"

Robert 's faith is growing. "I knew about Jesus, but I didn't know Him. I knew nothing about the Word. Everything I've learned, I've learned here. I've soaked it up like a sponge," he told me. "This [place] will be a part of me until the day I die. I'd recommend no other place. This is the first place I've had spiritual guidance, and I didn't know what an impact that would have on my life."

Ed and I realize what we can do to support the mission is minimal. Our gifts are small. The work we do as volunteers is insignificant. But we realize the Free Methodist Church is an army of people called of God, and in that army there are all the workers and resources needed to make God's vision a reality. We know some of you are passionate about other ministries. We aren't trying to recruit you. But, if you haven't found your corner yet — the place where God wants you to be involved — please pray about Olive Branch Mission. Maybe this is the place for you.