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Greetings from Doing for the Least Ministries! We have some good news to report for this quarter, but we want to first touch on the numbers. Since the last December 2011 report, we have had an estimated number of 58 people from Drug Court, probation and others come through the group sessions. Presently after several graduates, drop outs, and relapses, an estimated 21 have remained. While this note is rather dim, it leads to what we are presently doing about the problem of relapse. Over the past several months this problem has been growing. The gospel has been presented and the word taught, but when some don’t catch on, they fail. With this dilemma we have begun a mentoring program for Drug Court clients and anyone in the group. There are three ministry helpers and myself. Each of us has divided up those who wish to be mentored. The mentoring involves simply being in touch and available for those on the list to be called or to call us if they feel they are in a bind to slip up. Our goal is to call each person once or twice a month just to be in touch. If someone is there for a person that has been on drugs, the probability of relapse can be controlled. It is not an absolute answer, but it is an effort.
Next note of change is that we will be starting the New Life Behavior Course called CASA (Christians Against Substance Abuse). This is the course that is focused on the 12 Steps. It was suggested by the Drug Court coordinator that I return to the 12 Steps in order to focus on their addiction problems. That suggestion was supported by Buck Griffith from New Life Behavior, so we will soon be getting back into the steps. Presently we are working on some of what I call Scripture references that can deal with addiction and behavior. This will work on their thinking that involves the addictions.
In the nursing home we have begun the Attitudes and Behaviors course from NLB. The activity director suggested doing something that would involve the residents reading more, so I suggested this course. We have just started, so we will see what happens. A few new ones have shown up, so we have been having between 10 and 14 in attendance.
One new effort we have established is new links on our website. With the help of my board member and computer man, Lee, we have put new links for Bible material, Bibles, correspondence course behavior courses, DVDs, CD’s, and VHS films for anyone seeking to know more of the Bible. There are also links and other ministries that put out articles, books, and radio & internet broadcasts. One site is The Ask C.A.S.A. site from NLB that is for anyone needing help with addictions. People can write in and ask questions and read comments about addictions.
In addition there is much more Christian material and ministries that can be a help for Christian growth and behavior. The resources are available for those that are seeking, and we have made this now available from our own website. Just go to www.doingfortheleast.com <http://www.doingfortheleast.com> and click on “Links”. We have also recently completed an email write-in program. The idea is that anyone with Bible questions or questions related to addiction and/or behavior can write in for answers. Questions can involve; faith, grace, difficult Bible text, issues, religion, churches, denominations and the like. This is for the young and old alike-men, women, boys, and girls. The purpose of this effort is to assist others in finding Biblical, faith based answers to today’s pressing questions. Our desire is to get as many as possible to the website and minister to everyone in need, but you don’t have to be a drug addict or ex-offender to ask.
Another note, we welcome the Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Diego on as a contributor. Our aim is to welcome other churches in the area to join our efforts in this ministry, and we graciously welcome this group as a monthly contributor.
Just a reminder for the future of this ministry -- funds are always needed! While we have settled in for a while at our meeting place, there is always the need to build towards future development. The dream or vision is to grow this ministry into a mission that can teach, counsel, and meet physical needs. In the last few months, our fund drive has had some progress, but we still need to look to greater goals. Your funds and help are always needed, whether in large or small amounts, monthly, quarterly or annually. Always remember our motto: “A Little From a Many Accomplishes Much.” So please consider joining us during this coming year.

DOING FOR THE LEAST MINISTRIES

On Behalf of the Board of Directors and
HIS Servant,
Ronnie Talbert