By NICOLE LOGGINS/Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Popper’s House Ministry is helping Shelby County citizens struggling with addictions through Celebrate Recovery a ministry that focuses on recovery through Christian principles.

John Brown, pastor at Popper’s House Ministry, said while Popper’s House has been in existence for 20 years, the Celebrate Recovery program has only been in existence for four to five months.

“We’ve seen some changed lives,” Brown said. “For myself, being a pastor for the last 27 years, it’s a different kind of recovery than most programs I’ve seen. It puts more emphasis on the individual going to God.”

Meetings are held on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. at the Popper’s House Ministry on County Road 47 in Columbiana. The group uses both large and small group formats during the 12-step and eight-principle program.

“It’s a place you can go and have a safe place to express your hurt, hang-ups and habits,” Brown said.

Brown said the eight principles reflect the beatitudes of the Bible and encouraged those from all walks of life struggling with any type of addiction to attend.

“I would tell them the first step is admitting that there’s a problem and once they admit they have a problem then God can begin to restore their lives,” he said. “It’s not just a place for alcohol or drug addiction. There are many hindrances that keep us from being the people God wants us to be.”

Attendees range in age from 17 to mid-60s and Brown said he hopes to expand the group to include a movie and game night to encourage fellowship.

“The purpose is to focus on God’s healing power through fellowship with others,” Brown said. “This experience allows us to become willing to accept God’s grace in solving our problems and to grow spiritually.”