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CBF GRANT HELPS LAUNCH RECOVERY HOUSE

When a series of nearby buildings went up for sale, I began to pray. Their proximity to First Baptist Church seemed an ideal ministry opportunity but the timing was wrong. We had the vision and the passion but not the finances nor the people.

However, things happen when you pray. God answered my prayer when Kevin Means came to worship one Sunday and let us know that he had purchased one on the large houses to start a home for men who are recovering from chemical dependency. The ministry was to be called BAM House (Blessed Above Measure) and would be one of only two faith-based, state licensed recovery homes in Far North Chicagoland.

At the same time, First Baptist was completing the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s It’s Time study and was seeking God’s will in regards to a ministry to impact the community. One easily identifiable stronghold in our community is the problem of alcoholism and drug addiction. First Baptist already hosts the largest Narcotics Anonymous meeting in the county and is within walking distance from the county jail. We had discussed beginning a Celebrate Recovery ministry but the opportunity presented by BAM House was a clear answer to prayer.

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship sent a grant of $15,000 to First Baptist for use in the BAM House ministry. The grant comes from the It’s Time initiative that helps churches develop ministries that impact the community. The funds are designated for facility improvements that will expedite state licensure and improve residents’ quality of life.

In a short time windows were replaced, equipment purchased, repairs made, remodeling and painting, etc. Soon inspections were passed and state licensure was granted. A lot of the labor was provided by Trinity Baptist Church of Raleigh, NC, who sent an 82 member mission team to work in Far North Chicagoland.

BAM House focuses on the spiritual and behavioral development of their clients to help them find God's purpose for their lives and become more responsible and productive members of society. Along with help with job placement, 12-step meetings, individual counseling and group therapy, First Baptist provides Christian community. The men participate in small group Bible studies, worship and service projects throughout the week. They work beside church members in our Love in Action ministry that helps elderly and disabled people with yard work and home repairs and delivers donated furniture to the poor.

In the short history of BAM House we have already baptized two residents and had one commit his life to Christian ministry. Not every story ends in success but there already several men who were homeless and without hope, who found jobs and permanent housing, reconciled with their children and, most important, found purpose in Christ. Some continue to be a part of the ministry of First Baptist and have become a blessing to many people.

Painting and renovations inside and out

Looks less like a haunted house