Addiction In The Church Recap & Resources
Heartland Recovery welcomed approximately 120 people to the third annual Addiction and the Church event, “Made for More.” It was encouraging to have people from more than ten churches, along with community partners such as Centerstone, Mark Twain Behavioral Health, the Dream Center in Troy, court liaisons, counselors, psychologists, pastors, elders, deacons, and others. Through helpful speakers, powerful testimonies, worship, and fellowship, we considered how the Church can respond to addiction with truth, compassion, and the hope of Christ.
Guest speaker Vic Comstock, from Family Life Fellowship of Moberly, explored the spiritual root of addiction as misplaced worship, unpacking why genuine healing goes beyond temporary behavior change to true spiritual transformation through worship, repentance, and seeking God’s presence.
Vic Porter (founder of the Institute of Self Worth) followed, reminding us that God does not define us by our performance but by His love for us.
Jerica Bowman, LMSW, from Landmark Recovery in Jefferson City also shared valuable insight on mental health and the ways churches can come alongside those who are struggling. Using the analogy of a “shared playground”, Jerica explained how clinical treatment and the local church are complementary partners—not substitutes—in long-term recovery. Her presentation shed light on what unique strengths each brings to the table, how to avoid common pitfalls, and why the church provides the essential elements of purpose and community that clinical settings cannot offer alone.
Recovery ministry leaders Scott Miller, Adrienne Miller, and JC Morgan also spoke about how Jesus responds to brokenness with intentional compassion—looking beyond destructive conditions and labels to speak to a person’s God-given identity and purpose. Rehabilitation and sobriety are not the finish line—they are the starting point; the next step is the “battle after the battle,” renewing the mind and walking in discipleship in everyday life.
Thanks again to Shottenkirk Toyota of Quincy for sponsoring lunch for the event, Bethel Fest Hall for catering, and the residents of the Heartland Men’s and Women’s Recovery Programs for their hard work serving throughout the day.
Archived videos of the presentations are available on the HlandTV YouTube channel.
AWAKEN 2026 Oct 2-3
AWAKEN 2026 is a two day worship gathering on Friday evening, October 2 and Saturday, October 3.
This event is focused on youth and college age students who are passionate about Jesus and worshiping Him. As always there will be plenty of food and fun as well!
Awaken in sponsored by Heartland Christian College and will be held at Heartland Community Church,
6434 Shelby Co. Rd. 150, Bethel, MO 63434
The event is free of charge with pre-registration.
More details available on the registration event page
Walking Through Recovery | Richard’s Story
Richard from Pittsfield, Illinois, knew the grueling reality of the justice system all too well after spending 29 years going in and out of prison. The turning point came in a moment of pure providence when a guard accidentally printed two Heartland Recovery applications instead of one and handed Richard the extra copy. Passing up options that would lead him right back to his old habits, Richard realized it was time for a different choice. “If I wanted something different, I need to be prepared to do something different.”
Choosing Heartland’s 12-month program opened the door to a brotherhood and peace Richard had never known. Surrounded by leaders who shared similar pasts without judging him. Today, Richard is building his future on a firm biblical foundation. As Richard puts it: “If you gave up now, you’d be right back where you started. And where you started, you’d be wishing where you are now. Don’t give in.”
If you are tired of the endless cycle and ready to trade prison walls or addiction for true freedom, you don’t have to go back to where you started. Contact Heartland Recovery today to learn more about our 12-month program and start writing your next chapter.
Heartland Men’s Recovery Program
📍 500 New Creation Road, Newark, MO 63458
📧 recoveryinfo@hland.net
📞 573-633-5606 (Admissions)
📠 1-816-817-1802 (eFax)
🔗 More info: hlandrecovery.org
Heartland Missions | Moldova Trip Report 2026
A team from Heartland Community Church traveled to Moldova to partner with our friends Victor and Maria from the Moldovan Pentecostal Union. During the trip, they spoke in local churches, evangelized in stadiums, addressed a national youth gathering, taught seminary students, and toured the ministry’s vital work with the elderly and disabled. Link to the Pentecostal Union: https://moldpent.com/en/
Walking Through Recovery | Zach’s Story
It took crawling on the floor looking for any lost pills and months in jail for Zach to realize his meth addiction had gone too far. His dad looked him straight in the eye and asked him if he wanted help. “The decision that I made to come here initially was to escape a prison sentence,” Zach shares, “and it’s actually turned out to be a very pivotal decision in the direction of my life.”
Inside the 12-month program, Zach found more than he ever expected: he found true hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Once he finally stopped running, he felt an unbelievable weight lift off his shoulders. “Don’t be afraid to seek help. Because if you feel like you need help or people are asking you if you want help, then you probably need it.”
Ready to drop the weight you’ve been carrying? If pride or fear is keeping you from admitting you need a change, let Zach’s story be your wake-up call. Learn more about our 12-month program and take your first step toward real, lasting peace.
