Written by Charlotte Smith
Photos by Noelia Hatchell
Elizabethtown, NC – Southeastern Carolina Crossroads (SCC), a ministry dedicated to aiding men grappling with substance abuse, held its inaugural gala on April 18, 2024, at 6 pm in the Gallery Ballroom of Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery. The event garnered overwhelming support, drawing attention to SCC’s vital mission of offering life-changing services to men searching for recovery from addiction.
Timothy McDowell, Executive Chef of Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery and the visionary behind the gala, expressed gratitude for the resounding backing received. “We are thrilled with the support for our mission of this year’s event,” McDowell exclaimed, emphasizing the significance of raising awareness for SCC’s unwavering dedication.
Ruth Haskins, SECC Gala Committee Treasurer, commenced the evening with a heartfelt opening prayer, setting the tone for an evening of reflection, celebration, and hope.
In a heartfelt tribute, McDowell honored the memory of 130 individuals who lost their lives to addiction. Each name represented a cherished soul who, despite their best efforts, succumbed to the relentless grip of substance abuse. McDowell underscored the importance of community in combating addiction.
The spotlight then shifted to the family of Austin McLean, a beloved member of the Bladen County community who tragically fell victim to addiction earlier in the year. Through tearful testimony, McLean’s family conveyed their profound gratitude to SCC for its faith-based recovery approach.
“It’s easy to talk about things that you love, and we loved Austin,” one family member stated, “…but we couldn’t love him through it, but we know he had the love of Jesus Christ in his heart and we will forever be grateful for Carolina Crossroads because it is faith-based and they are there to help these guys and to teach them the Bible and it is so important to have that Christ-based faith. We hope Carolina Crossroads continues to do what they do, which is to help these guys in addiction.”
Former SECC residents Jacob Hatchell and Jeremy Jernigan shared their journeys of overcoming addiction and finding redemption through SCC’s intervention.
Jacob, who lives in Bladen County with his wife, Noelia, said, “I’m here by the grace of God, and I’m here tonight to talk with you all about how addiction affects our community. It affects everybody.” A little over three years ago, Jacob went through the SECC program. He explained that recovery doesn’t always work on the first time, but it does work. “I went through eight different recovery programs before I finally got clean and sober. Out of all the recovery places I’ve been to, Carolina Crossroads is the one that does it the right way. They do it by teaching you the Bible because recovery can only be done by the grace of God. Crossroads is an instrument that God uses to be able to get guys clean and sober.”
After Jacob, Jeremy Jernigan gave his testimony about his struggle with addiction and how SECC gave him the tools he needed for recovery through the Word of God. Jernigan has since dedicated his life to church ministry and credited SECC for leading him to recovery through Christ Jesus.
Their accounts underscored the critical role of faith and community support in the recovery process, offering hope to those still grappling with addiction.
Keynote speaker Kathryn Bausman, Executive Director of City Mission in Findlay, Ohio, illuminated the arduous journey of healing that individuals with addiction undertake, emphasizing the transformative potential of recovery through Jesus Christ. Drawing from personal experience, Bausman urged attendees to confront addiction with unwavering resolve and compassion, citing scripture to underscore the importance of faith in action.
According to Bausman, addiction affects all demographics because it is here to destroy generations.
“We have to rise up and say no, the question is how do we do it,” Bausman said before she read James 2:14-19, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
She added, “We must look at ourselves and be honest. We have to become aware of ourselves and judge ourselves on how we will stand up against one of the biggest issues that generation has ever faced, and that’s addiction.”
According to Bausman, 150,000 people will die of addiction this year. “We have to do something,” Bausman exclaimed, “We are called to be the instruments of change in a dying, hurting world.” She explained people are called to serve the cause in different ways. It takes the average addict an average of 14 attempts at recovery before they get clean, Bausman noted.
It takes $3,000 in funding for a person to go through an addiction recovery program. In closing, Bausman said, “When we act in faith, we can come out victorious on the other side.”
Pastor Kincy Barrow, the director of SECC, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming generosity displayed, confirming that the event had surpassed its fundraising goals. With plans underway to expand future efforts, including a golf tournament and an even larger gala next spring, the SECC Gala Committee remains steadfast in its commitment to aiding those in need.
Barrow confirmed the committee surpassed their fundraising efforts by raising $52,490 with this year’s gala fundraiser. According to Barrow, donations to the fundraiser are being received, and the money received will go toward next year’s event.
Attendees were treated to soulful performances by Redeemed of Sunset Beach, a band known for their uplifting melodies, as well as engaging activities such as silent and live auctions. An art memorial display adorned with candles representing each of the 130 lives lost to addiction serves as a poignant testament to the deep-reaching impact of substance abuse on communities.
Before the gala ended, some of the top sponsors were awarded with a plaque. Bryon Scott accepted the Title Sponsorship Award for Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Company P.A. and Alex Munroe accepted the Host Sponsorship Award for Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery. Both men expressed humbleness at the recognition and pledged to continue supporting SECC.
Sponsorship opportunities for next year’s gala are now available, ranging from Bronze to Diamond levels. Individuals and businesses alike can contribute to this worthy cause. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a worthy cause. Reach out to an SECC Gala Committee member today.
For more information about SECC visit them at 1086 Susie Sand Hill Road in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, call (910) 549-8487, and visit their website at: secarolinacrossroads.com.
More information about future events that will benefit SECC will be published as soon as they become available.
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