By MONA NAIR
6 News Reporter
GREENEVILLE (WATE) - The organizers of a faith based program in East Tennessee say they're helping drug addicts heal through Jesus Christ.
The people who run "U Turn For Christ" describe it as a ministry of restoration. The 60-day program is filled with outdoor work, meals with the group and most of all, worship.
When 6 News visited the facility, Eric Roberson and a group of other disciples were splitting wood, one of many routine outdoor activities at the group ranch.
Roberson says a big part of why he's there is his three-year-old daughter, Alisha. "The one thing I don't want her to do is end up like me. I'm like my Dad, and I didn't want to do that," he said.
The Virginia native spent 12 years hooked on pain pills.
"When I first came in, I really did not want to be here. I figured it was like a rehab. They told me it was nothing like a rehab, and it's not," Roberson said.
Pastor Steve Nordgren runs the Greeneville chapter of U Turn For Christ. He says you join voluntarily if you're willing to leave behind worldly things like phone calls and smoking, for example.
"We want a person to come here and listen to the Lord," Pastor Nordgren said.
The facility has a male and female ranch. For the women, a big part of the activities involve running a few thrift stores.
"We try to decorate it like a boutique," said Jane Reese, who was a high school art teacher in New Jersey and also an addict.
"Me and my husband were using together," Reese said, adding that instead, "We wanted to have a Godly marriage together."
The disciples say being in a totally new environment, keeping busy, staying healthy, the rustic dorm-style living and a strong focus on religion help them transition out of addiction.
Pastor Nordgren explained how he believes God works through his disciples. "I think the problem is a spiritual problem and the problem is the heart of man. Man needs a new heart. What he offers them is a new heart. He does not repair, he makes new. That's what he does," he said.
With new hearts come new goals. "I want to be a good example for my daughter," Roberson said.
After the 60 days are done, some will choose to stay longer at the ranch with looser rules. Others will move to a new chapter in their lives.
