03/28/2024
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Southeastern Carolina Crossroads is an addiction rehabilitation facility in Bladen County. Recently, one SECC graduate released an open letter about his testimony of overcoming addiction.

Matthew Owens stated, “I came to Southeastern Carolina Crossroads newly 60 days ago completely broken, tired and weary. My journey back to Christ has been nothing short of a miracle from God. Like many others.”

He explained, “I was raised in a God fearing home, surrounded by a loving and caring family. I’ve attended church my entire life, but I fell away around the time I graduated high school. I began attending parties and drinking because I felt like that’s what I was supposed to be doing at that age.”

That is where Mr. Owens’ story starts to change. Before long he found himself completely wrapped up in addiction.

He said, “Fast forward a few years, and what started out as partying and “just having a few drinks” had turned into full blown alcoholism and drug addiction. The Lord has blessed me with a beautiful wife and loving kids. I had the life I had always wanted with a good family, nice house, and plenty of nice things.”

As many addicts have to face the cold hard truth about their circumstances, so did Mr. Owens.

“I had to lose it all to realize what I had truly been given. My dependency on alcohol and drugs has stripped away everything I ever wanted,” He stated.

But that wasn’t the end of the story. A Bladen County rehabilitation facility was in his future. There he sought treatment and found “miracles”.

He shared, “I came to Southeastern Carolina Crossroads not knowing what to expect. What I finally realized was that I had to submit to Christ and His way. I had to give Him control of my life instead of trying to do it my way which had led me to the situation I was in. Since I’ve given Him control, He has done mighty miracles for me and my family. I have absolute confidence that if I keep submitting to Him and His way, I will continue to be blessed.”

There are more stories like Mr. Owens’ of men who have over came addictions and are living their best lives now. Some have shared their stories at the Bladen County Opioid Task Force meetings, in their home churches, and with their employers.

The treatment center is a huge asset to Southeastern North Carolina. Southeastern Carolina Crossroads is located at the former, Camp E-Tik-Etu, on Susie Sandhill Road. The vision of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Bladen County started to form about 14 years ago. Now, the vision is a reality and there are new goals set in place to increase the impact of the non-profit.

“We need more beds and there is some work that needs to be done around the grounds,” Rev. Kincy Barrow said at a Opioid Task Force meeting.

The Southeastern Carolina Crossroads board announced a fundraiser to help with the needs of the non-profit. There will be a Gospel Music Celebration held on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Elizabethtown Middle School starting at 6:00 p.m. Brian Free & Assurance will perform with special guests The Lumber River Quartet and Cedron’s Bridge.

Ticket prices are $25, $15 and $10 and may be purchased online by clicking here, or at the Bladen Baptist Association, Bladen Office Supply, or at Elizabethtown Healthcare & Rehabilitation.

 

 

Related article:

https://bladencounty.org/southern-gospels-most-awarded-tenor-celebrates-in-bladen-county/

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