Former Addict Urges Christians To Tackle Drug Problem
by Allie Martin
July 6, 2004
(AgapePress) - A North Carolina man spends most of the year traveling the nation, encouraging churches to take the lead in the war on drugs.Ted Stone came to Christ as a child in North Carolina, but later rebelled and started using illegal drugs. Eventually Stone was arrested after shooting a man during a robbery, and while in prison, the one-time addict rededicated his life to Christ.
Upon his release from prison more than 30 years ago, Stone began telling his story at churches nationwide. And for years, he says, few churches seemed willing to take a vocal stand on the problem of drug addiction. But he believes this is beginning to change and says, "people are moving out to the forefront. They do realize the problem is genuine, because so many of them have family members with the problem, and they're seeking help."
However, the public speaker notes, although some churches have willingly tackled the issue of illegal drugs, the problem of alcoholism and social drinking is still very often swept under the rug. He addresses this issue by making a plea for accountability that goes beyond personal responsibility.
While acknowledging that there are some people who can take alcohol or leave it alone, Stone says "for everybody who can take it or leave it, there's another one who can't, and from the beginning day no one knows to which category they belong." For that reason, he raises some soul-searching questions.
"What about your children?" Stone demands. "What about your grandchildren? Will one of them assume its safe to drink because you drink, supposedly, safely?" Through his talks, he tries to get people to understand alcoholism and drug abuse as more than personal problems, and he urges individuals to commit to proactive resistance, for the sake of their families and communities.
The North Carolinian has walked across America several times in an effort to spotlight the drug abuse problem, and has even taken his message of healing and hope to Hawaii, speaking a schools and churches -- often in areas plagued by illegal drug activity . "I think more people realize we have the problem today, but they do need genuine answers that work," he says.
According to Stone, the only way out of any addiction is complete surrender to Christ. He often tells his listeners, "I used to be a drug addict, but I am ... recovered forever by the grace of God, and this hope can also belong to you and those whom you love."
The speaker-activist says the only permanent solution to drug abuse and addiction is a vital relationship with Jesus, and the body of Christ must play a part in supporting and encouraging those seeking recovery. Stone has written two books on alcohol and drug abuse with co-author Philip Barber: The Drug Tragedy: Hope for the One Who Hurts and The Drug Tragedy: Hope for the One Who Cares," both available from LifeWay Christian Resources.
