Lifeline: Reaching Those Bound By Substance Abuse
by Charlotte L. Pound

“Many, if not most drug users and alcoholics are not ready to attend a church service, nor are they interested in home Bible studies. However, all of them have what I refer to as, “windows of opportunity,” where they are momentarily open to advice and help. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to know when these windows of opportunity will appear. This video has the potential to make instant connections between the drug user and the local church outreach team. It provides help for today and hope for tomorrow, I call it a lifeline for a lifetime.”

So stated full time UPC evangelist—Ken Cook, from Lufkin Texas. He was referring to a dynamic new DVD called Lifeline. It is a resource he launched at the Texas Camp Meeting this past June, where it was well received. The Ohio District has also presented and promoted Lifeline as a tool at their camp with great reception. The endorsers of the project are Tom Foster (Texas), Paul Cook (Ohio), and the late Charles Mahaney.

In 1998, after receiving the Holy Ghost, Ken Cook was delivered from a life of drug addiction and drug dealing. Because of his personal experience, he has an immense burden for those ensnared in a hopeless world of alcohol/drug addiction. Under God’s direction, he has put together and released the first of a series of DVD’s.

The 29 minute video is rapidly becoming a powerful tool that Bro. Cook hopes will revolutionize personal evangelism when reaching for those bound by drugs.
“It sheds light on that segment of society that has been seemingly overlooked and put on the back burner. It is timely because of the gross devastation that has come to our world via drug and alcohol use,” he said.
The Lifeline video is in the format of a documentary that shares the experiences of three former drug users. The speakers simply tell their stories, describing the harsh realities of the drug culture, ending with their personal testimonies of deliverance.

The content is non-confrontational, and emphasizes a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It also places a great deal of importance on the need to attend a local church. A toll free hotline and the web address are shown in the presentation. “Should the viewer decide to call, I will put them in contact with a local UPC pastor. However, Lifeline is not just another program that will add increased responsibility on the shoulders of the local pastor; but rather it serves best, as a tool of personal evangelism,” Bro. Cook stated.

Many churches have already incorporated the video into their Jail/Prison and Outreach ministries. Some are using the video during Sunday PM and youth services, as well as special services dedicated to reaching those lost in the world of substance abuse.

The DVD is being shown in secular—as well as Christian—drug classes. Bro. Cook has been interviewed recently on a local radio station in Brownwood, Texas, where they did an outstanding job of promoting the video to their listening audience.

“The Lifeline video is an excellent tool to mobilize your church to evangelize those who are bound by drug and alcohol addictions,” said Pastor Ken Colegrove, of Brownwood Evangelism Center.

The DVD can be purchased through PPH. It can also be ordered through Bro. Cook’s personal website: www.kenandjuliecook.com. The cost is $20.00. For more information contact Ken Cook at: kacook6@hotmail.com.