From Isolation to Community:
“The most prevalent health issue in the country is not cancer or heart disease or obesity. It is isolation, social disconnection.” - US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
We have much work to do. Statements like the ones above, continually swirling around the drug issue as it sweeps the nation - actually give us hope. Why? Because not only has Christ called the church to be a place of deep community, where isolation is confronted, wounds are healed and fears calmed - but now your community calls for the same thing!
Our Responsibility:
This is what we’re commanded to as a church: to work for the broken, the fatherless, the poor, the downcast. This is exactly what Jesus did and would be doing if He were here today. Just read Luke 4:18, Jesus’ call to ministry, and look for the broken and hurting that you know - your family, your neighbors, the people a few houses down or a few rows over in church. You’ll see that in the midst of addiction is exactly where Christ would have been. We must be the ones to follow in His steps, making disciples, bringing unconditional love, acceptance, and the gospel to a hurting culture.
“That’s how it all started. We said - let’s find out. Does this Bible work? Does this God, if I put my faith in Him, truly transform people?” - Tom Thompson, Founder & Executive Director
Join us to share hope for frantic mothers, resources and opportunities for community connection, and freedom for men and women caught in the struggle of addiction in your community. Rise up, church, and let’s join God where He is working!
Champions Groups:
Use small group discipleship to care for those needing support in or around addictions. Let us help you find a “champion” in your congregation, train him/her to care for addicts and their loved ones well, and walk with them to offer support, all at no cost.
Fill out the form above and indicate your interest to receive access to your first training module specifically for Champions on our Online University: 101 - Quick Start Guide to the Champions Network. Other benefits of the network include: invitation to shadow one of our existing champions for training; ongoing access to new virtual training courses on the Online University; access to a monthly champions webinar to share best practices and grow together.
In or around central Ohio? Offer hope - in person!
The men of the Refuge and our founder, Tom Thompson, have been sharing their stories for years - total transformation and impossible new life made possible through Christ and their commitment to a discipleship process. As you are building momentum in your congregation and community, we are here to serve you by asking our alumni, men, staff and families to share.
Interview with Crossroads Church:
Question: How are you partnering with the Refuge? What are the results you’ve seen in your church?
“Over the past year I have been moved by the number of news articles that describe what has been called the “opioid epidemic.” The number of overdoses and the pain families are going through is ghastly. During an assembly of our congregation last year I asked members to raise their hands of they personally knew someone addicted to drugs. Nearly every hand went up. Brothers and sisters began to speak to me privately about the fears and pain they feel for addicted loved ones. The powerlessness they expressed was palpable.
Developing a group leading addicts into recovery is a big step for our congregation. We are a strong and loving congregation, but we are small. As such we do not have the resources of larger congregations. We love the Lord Jesus and are committed to sound doctrine, breaking bread and discipling all who would follow him. The Refuge provides a resource for us in both education regarding addiction and when necessary referral for those who desperately need a residential recovery program centered in Christ.”
– Kevin Littler, Waverly Church of Christ, Waverly OH
“At the foundation of this ministry is the desire for relationship and the quest for selflessness and that spirit infiltrates our people and impacts our church. These men have come to the end of themselves and their passion and heart to learn, worship, and serve is contagious. You and your church will be tremendously blessed, challenged, and impacted by hosting the Refuge at your church."
– Rob Collins, Calvary Memorial Church, Parkersburg WV
“I have been friends with Pastor Tom Thompson, founder of the Refuge for over 20 years. I believe in Tom's heart and vision which is seen through this ministry, to see men's lives changed. I have pastored CMC for 12 years. We host the Refuge at least once a year. When these men come to our church it is the most impactful service we have the entire year. It is a day of revival and renewal for our people. It is a service that causes our people to move from complacency to a new kindled passion for God, the Kingdom and for people. Especially, those that are addicted and bound; those who feel helpless or hopeless.”
– Rob Collins, Calvary Memorial Church, Parkersburg WV
“Our church at South Side was so blessed to have Tom come and share with us the ministry of The Refuge. There is no doubt in my mind that this ministry is on the front lines fighting the attack of the enemy against so many individuals and families. We are looking forward to partnering with Tom and this wonderful ministry to stand in the gap on behalf of souls that are so deeply affected by addiction. I encourage every church to make it a priority to have The Refuge come and share the vision for this ministry with your church and community!”
– Barry Pettit, South Side Church of Christ, Washington Court House OH
“In the midst of all the bad news we hear regarding the devastation of addiction, as a Christian I’ve asked God, ‘Surely there’s somewhere that Your power is winning the battle, isn’t there?!?!’ So the stories from The Refuge and Champions Network helped us believe in the midst of disbelief and fear and gave us hope that Christ IS doing that which we wished He would! It’s exciting to partner with you all into the future in the victory. Thank you Tom for your sacrificial life and ministry!”
– Nathan Custer, Columbia Heights UMC, Galloway OH
“In a few minutes of time our congregation gained not only an understanding of the critical need for ministries who effectively address the addiction epidemic in our nation, but we were challenged in our hearts with a new and fresh desire to be a part of the great work Refuge Ministry is accomplishing throughout Ohio!”
– Tim Throckmorton, Crossroads, Circleville OH
“Tom Thompson of the Refuge will be speaking at River City Fellowship on March 12. The Refuge has been a huge blessing for our community. The lives of many guys have been transformed by this amazing ministry. Our people love hearing the testimonies of men whose lives have been changed."
– John O’Brien, River City Fellowship, Gallipolis, OH