Kyle Dunn of Homer Glen celebrates his life at a ...
January 21, 2013
While snow was falling outside at Calvary Church on Saturday, Jan. 5, flickers of light came from candles that were lit within the church. A pause to remember those who passed away due to drug overdose. This was the second annual prayer vigil that the Orland Park church has held.
"With over 23,000,000 Americans addicted to drugs or alcohol the sad truth is only 20 percent get treatment," said Ron Ovitt, a pastor and recovery coach at Calvary.
Ovitt has helped hundreds turn their lives around and get clean.
"There needs to be long-term solutions that can reach people where they are," he said. "We believe the church can be part of that solution. We prayed that churches would partner with agencies as part of a long term follow up program."
Other area churches joined together on Jan. 5 to pray, raise awareness and build solidarity.
"It was very moving to hear the prayers of people from different churches come together to ask God to help us prevail against this epidemic," Ovitt said. "Last year we prayed that there would be more awareness of the drug epidemic on the southwest side of Chicago and there was a dramatic increase in news coverage.
"This year we prayed that there would be more effective treatment for those suffering from addictions and that the church would make a bigger impact in bringing freedom to those trapped by this sweeping epidemic."
Ovitt has a special service on Saturday nights geared towards recovery. New Hope meets every Saturday evening at 5 p.m.
"No matter what you are recovering from, New Hope can be your shelter in the storm," Ovitt said.
Calvary Church is located at 16100 S. 104th Ave. in Orland Park.
To continue reading and view more photos, login or sign up for Hometown Advantage:
Cloudy 79°
