In the midst of the unprecedented times this year has brought, we pray that this letter finds you well! People like you, with hearts to support and pray for Adult and Teen Challenge Ohio Valley (ATCOV), continue to make the ministry possible no matter the difficulties of our world today.
The year of 2020 has been unusual for every one of us. As our world has navigated addressing the introduction of a novel virus on national, state, and local levels, we here at ATCOV have continued to carry out the work that we believe God has called us to do in reaching out to men and women in addiction.
Can we COUNT YOU IN?
So far, in the calendar year of 2020, we have had the privilege of continuing to minister to men and women that have walked through our doors here on the north side of Youngstown, OH. These uncommon times have not changed the need for rescue from addiction and transformation. Our staff has continued to serve and minister as we have been an essential facility in the midst of stay-at-home orders, quarantines, and social distancing.
In late June of this year, the Center for Disease Control stated that 40% of adults in the United States have reported struggling with substance use and/or mental health. Medical authorities have also indicated that alcoholism, depression, drug use, and suicide are likely to increase as many Covid-19 measures remain in place. We believe that the expected rise of addiction due the isolation and personal stress of our current day truly underscores the need for the ministry of ATCOV!
Subsequently, the increase in the need for what God has called this ministry to do also has coincided with a radical shift in financial support options and touch points with ATCOV sponsors. After cancelling our annual golf outing this past July due to social distancing restrictions, we have made the decision to do the same with our annual October Benefit Dinner. These events not only have served as a forum to celebrate what God is doing at ATCOV through transforming lives but also act as opportunities for businesses, churches, families, and individuals to financially partner with us in our mission.
Can we COUNT YOU IN?
This letter serves as our only large scale partnership request for 2020, so we are asking all of our past and present sponsors to consider partnering with us through a financial gift and prayer. Throughout this year, our center has been used to make a significant spiritual and physical impact in the lives of men and women and that impact has required significant spiritual and physical investment. As we look towards the end of this year, we believe the horizon in front of us will present an even greater necessity for the ministry of freedom in Jesus Christ through Teen Challenge.
In the midst of virus concerns, societal unrest, as well as the still growing opioid epidemic; we truly believe your support will facilitate LIFE CHANGE. We pray and trust that God will continue to send us those with a great need for a savior and that within ATCOV they will find the great Savior for their need.
