Awesome series(come on, include scripture!)

Starting today (4/7/06), Scott Farwell is reporting on what he experienced during a 24-hour visit to a faith-based drug rehabilitation center in a series of front-page articles in Dallas Morning News. The title of today’s article is "Addicts expected to have faith.”

Farwell tells the story of Elliott Haynes:

On this day, Elliott Haynes prayed and danced and pledged his love to a godly woman.

He studied the Bible. He clenched his fist in pride. He wept.

Mr. Haynes is a recovering crack addict. Two months ago, the 36-year-old man moved from San Antonio into the Victory Home, a Christian-based drug treatment center near the Cotton Bowl in South Dallas.

The program is supported by private donations, daily fundraisers and a pair of nonprofit groups linked to Prestonwood Baptist Church of Plano and King of Glory
Lutheran Church in North Dallas.
Read more>>

It is an excellent story of personal redemption and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Unfortunately, the story doesn’t contain an identifiable passage of scripture, so this article doesn’t qualify for the Amy Writing Awards. But there is hope. It looks like there is a story running on the front page Saturday (4/8) and Sunday (4/9). There is still time …

This article was so close too. Mr. Haynes shared a favorite song:

"When hope is gone and the darkness has fallen
"I will still believe, I will still believe
"I will rise up, I will rise up
"I will rise up and call myself blessed."

I am sure Mr. Haynes receives comfort from a favorite scripture passage as well. Perhaps Farwell will include in before he concludes the series.

Congratulations to Scott for writing such a moving piece of journalism. Keep up the good work!

Submitted by,
Bruce Umpstead