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Musings: What do you want me to do for you?
I love that God’s Word is sacred, holy, and timeless! The following are a few observations and questions for pondering and reflection:
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Monthly Prayer: My God is Trustworthy
Join us in our monthly prayer: My God is Trustworthy. Let's thank God for his unfailing Word.
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The Acumen of Acceptance in Accountability
Accountability is typically not an attractive word. Much of the negative emotional reactivity to recovery comes from misinformation about what words mean.
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Judd Drake, Stories of Reshaped Lives
Judd Drake, a graduate from The Foundry has returned to the same organization as a full-time staff member in order to show the love of God.
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Gradine: Stories of Reshaped Lives
Gradine, a reshaped life Gradine grew up in a dysfunctional home, often witnessing her father abuse her mother. She began using alcohol at age 16 to numb her feelings of fear and despair. “There was no one to discuss the pain with,” she says. Her drinking escalated when she graduated from high school and moved
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Next Level Conference
The Next Level Conference is a radical worship experience created for participants of The Foundry Ministries, and other area recovery programs, to encounter God in a new way. This year, the conference was hosted at The Foundry Worship Center on August 19th and 20th. Both nights were filled with powerful worship and transformational messages. Each
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Alana: Stories of Reshaped Lives
Alana, a reshaped life Alana dealt with addiction to pain medication and heroin for almost 10 years. She tried many times to win the battle against it on her own, but was unsuccessful in her attempts. After spending time in jail and learning her husband was filing for divorce, she realized she could not overcome
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Monthly Prayer: My God is Patient
Join us for our September Prayer: My God is Patient. 2 Peter 3:9 says that while God is quick to keep his promises, he is still patient with us.
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Henhouse: An Employment Readiness Solution
One of the core components of addiction recovery at The Foundry Ministry is employment readiness. The henhouse is our most recent addition.
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What's Next? - Preparing for a Purpose
Many participants find themselves asking themselves "What's Next?" Here are our 3 of the principles we use to answer that question.
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Jennifer Thompson: Women's Mentor
One of the most valuable resources you can give to those in addiction is your time. Find out what it means to be a mentor.
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Back to School Sale and Block Party
As summer is winding down to a close, we wanted to celebrate in the best way possible; with a mega thrift store back to school sale and party!
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Monthly Prayer: My God is El Roi
Monthly Prayer: My God is El Roi She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13 At the heart of every human being is the desire to be seen, known, and heard.
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The Waste Epidemic
The Waste Epidemic: How The Foundry Ministries is Going Green According to recycling website, roadrunnerwm.com, the United States generates more waste than any other country in the world. We are living in a self-centered society of excess and immediacy. The Foundry Ministries works to intentionally combat the waste epidemic. As a ministry, we have focused on
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FIRST: Families In Recovery Seek Truth
FIRST: Families In Recovery Seeking Truth Living in addiction leaves a trail of heartache, disappointment, and smoldering bridges. Ironically, the pain created by addiction becomes a driving force behind the continuation of addiction. For those in addiction, their deepest pain and greatest regrets revolve around the damage they have done to those who love them
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Reaching the Community: The Foundry Rescue Program
Reaching the Community At The Foundry, we believe the world is changed one reshaped life at a time. We carry that belief throughout the variety of services we provide to our recovery program participants, but we also carry this belief through our efforts in reaching the community we serve within. The Foundry’s Rescue Program serves
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My God is Light
My God is Light This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 NIV My God, how I love you! From the beginning of this world, you brought light to a dark and formless creation. Light illuminates
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Addiction Aftercare: life-long recovery
Addiction Aftercare Life-long recovery Addiction has been declared an epidemic in the United States. It affects individuals, families, education, politics, socioeconomics, healthcare, employment, crime, transportation, and housing. These are only a few lenses from the larger perspective. Faced with such a tremendous health concern, people often have many questions about addiction and recovery. One such
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Give Where You Live: making an impact in your backyard
Give Where You Live: Making an impact in your backyard Summer—the season greatly anticipated by students, teachers, and families. It means sunshine, cool treats, and hopefully, some much needed time off. While we are enjoying our beach vacations or simply hanging out at the neighborhood pool– men, women, and children around the Birmingham area are lacking
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Adopt A Classroom: care for students
Adopt A Classroom Support teachers, care for students, promote education Sprinklers are on. Popsicles are being consumed by the box. Homework is nowhere to be found. Signs are all around that indicate summertime is in full swing! Most kids, and parents, yearn for summer all year long. The concerns of the school year have subsided
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Monthly Prayer: My God is Powerful
My God is Powerful Our God is Powerful and the solution to all of our problems, big and small. Join us in our monthly devotion and prayer. “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 NIV Father,
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Bo Jackson, Business Leaders, & Bacon
Bo Jackson, Business Leaders, & Bacon Each year, The Foundry Ministries hosts a breakfast fundraiser to benefit our partner, Changed Lives Christian Center (CLCC), as well as The Foundry. All funds raised go directly to support The Foundry Ministries and CLCC’s collaboration to provide long-term residential and transitional programs for the homeless, the addict, and the ex-inmate reentering society.
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5 Ways We Focus on Recycling
Recycling is a priority at The Foundry Thrift Stores. Check out the five areas of recycling we focus on and the impact it makes in our community.
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May Match: Let Your Giving Spark Change
Every donation is double during the month of May thanks to a few of our generous partners. Spark change during May by participating in our May Match.
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Monthly Prayer: My God is Faithful
Join The Foundry for our Monthly Prayer, My God is Faithful. This months prayer is based off of 2 Timothy 2:13. God's faithfulness is constant and important.
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Monthly Prayer: My God is Omniscient
Join The Foundry's in a themed monthly prayer. The Month of April comes out of Isaiah 46:9-10. God's omniscience gives us strength.
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A Brand New Person
I was losing everything a little bit at a time. . . Since the age of 12, Holly had been “in control.” When here mother died, she took responsibility for her younger sister. She believed she was in control too when she started using drugs in her late 20’s. I can stop when I want
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Blanket of Hope
by Dana Chavers Director of Social Services I arrived at work at 6:30am, as I usually do, when I noticed a green hump the size of a human in the corridor against the wall beneath the entry keypad. Doing a double take, I realized the hump was a person huddled under a jacket. I nervously
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Sacrificial Living
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into
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The Long Term Investment of Encouragement
by Graham Bufford “Encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 HCSB Ever heard of a book named Leaves of Grass or its author Walt Whitman? Yeah, most people weren’t familiar with either when that book was first published in 1855. Major publishers wouldn’t touch it, leaving Whitman to invest his
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10 Ways to Survive the Holidays
by Julia Charleston It’s mid-September, which means the holidays are just around the corner. Thanksgiving sneaks up on me every year and catches me off guard. Then, six short weeks later, it’s CHRISTMAS! And year after year, I become so overwhelmed I barely have time to breathe, let alone enjoy the festivities. Rather than run
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The Grass Only Appears Greener
By Julia Charleston A few years ago, I was driving to work early in the morning when I noticed in the distance debris in the middle of the freeway. I slowed down, got into the other lane, and as I came upon the object, I realized it was a deer that had very recently been
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Stay The Course
by Julia Charleston When I was in high school I lived in Seminole, Florida, which was on the west coast just below Tampa. Seminole is located on the mainland, but if you go down the block and over the bridge, you could be at the Gulf of Mexico in 10 minutes. My friend, Cathy, lived
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Dazzling Light
by Graham Bufford Director of After Care “Moses said, ‘The LORD has commanded you to do all this, so that the dazzling light of his presence can appear to you.’” –Leviticus 9:6 GNT Be assured that there is purpose to everything the Lord does. Even if it began as something evil, the Lord can still
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A Heart Restored by God's Love
Leann and her husband once had good jobs and a nice home where they were raising their three children. But Leann fell victim to an addiction that cost them their family and their future. “I was spending more and more money on drugs,” she shares. The couple eventually divorced, and her husband took custody of
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Goodbye Heroin
by Julia Charleston Her words were confident and strong; her attitude told me she meant every word. The pain of her past was visible in her eyes, but the BIG beautiful smile on her face told a story of victory. Hers was one of many stories of addiction; all with long twisted roots that travel deep
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White Flag of Surrender
But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us
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Hearts of Hope 2018
Hearts of Hope is an annual luncheon we hold to raise awareness and financial support for our Women’s Recovery Program. Local TV news anchor Sherri Jackson will emcee and The Foundry’s own CEO, Micah Andrews, will interview women in or a graduate of our recovery program. This year, we are unveiling Transformation: Inside a Reshaped
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Repairing the Broken
by Larisa Lambert Mills I go back to it time and again. It’s become a reliable guide and encouragement through my day-to-day work and the way my relationship with the Lord connects with that work. It’s real. And relatable. Here is a blessing from it for you: “… If we would do what he told
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Coin in the Mouth of the Fish
Silently, I prayed for guidance to do the right thing. My heart wanted to help him out, but my logic was trying to overrule. My husband had been unemployed for 8 months. I really didn’t need any financial burden, no matter how minor. I reasoned that if I gave the guy sitting in my office
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Expecting Miracles in 2018
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:14 (NIV) A community of farmers from a drought ridden Midwest town called on the pastor of the local church to set up a prayer meeting. Their livelihood had been threatened by the lack of rain, so they decided to
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Be Part of the Story
It was not pretty. And definitely not fancy or shiny or glowing in any way. Sometimes a sheep would end up on the roof of the stable. The donkey was often front and center. The standing wise men and Joseph toppled frequently on their sides. Baby Jesus seemed to wander the house from table to
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I Want To
“Away in a manger No crib for a bed The Little Lord Jesus Lay down his sweet head The stars in the sky Look down where he lay The Little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay.” Why would anyone give up everything to take on nothing? Mark 1:40, 41 tells of a leper who came
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Small Groups Changed My Life
I remember the nervousness like it was yesterday. I was sitting in someone’s living room with about 15 different people I barely knew. Would they still accept me if they knew my secret? I had to let it out. After all, I was definitely miserable, and tired from the weight I had been carrying. The
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The Foundry Way
In 2015, we adopted three key areas to focus on for the next three years to help fulfill our mission to permanently transform lives through Christ-centered ministries. 1. Quality Programs: Since focusing on the quality of our programs, we have implemented The Foundry Way, which consists of five components to completely restore lives: Case Management: Case
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The Most Difficult Time of the Year
Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. Psalm 119:49-50 (ESV) DEVOTION If you were to ask just about anyone in our programs right now, you would likely learn this is the most difficult time of the
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Was It You Who Gave on #GivingTuesday?
Tuesdays have a great potential. For example, #TacoTuesday is a great day. It can mean crunchy, soft, spicy or mild—with all the trimmings. (Extra cheese and guacamole, anyone?) For the price of a taco, you can transform #TacoTuesday to #GivingTuesday to reshape a life and make a permanent impact—with all the trimmings of joy, peace
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Yada Even the Fleas
How do we find an attitude of gratitude when life sucks? When things don't go our way? When the train is stuck on the tracks and we can't get to where we need to go? Or our kids won't speak to us? Or we get a bad diagnosis from the doctor? Or the checkbook math isn't making sense and our bills pile up?
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A Day in the Life...
There are many misconceptions about the work we do here at The Foundry. It’s hard to understand the rigorous schedule a program participant keeps unless you are here on property witnessing it with your own eyes. I pray this article helps quash all mistaken impressions about the work we do here at The Foundry. The
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Got Questions?
We often get asked many questions about the counseling that is offered here at The Foundry. Check out these common FAQs put together by Graham Bufford, The Foundry Ministries Director of Aftercare. What type of counseling best describes what is offered at The Foundry? The type of counseling The Foundry Ministries offers is best defined
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Alarms of Life
by Julia Charleston A few years ago, for no apparent reason, every single smoke alarm in my house started beeping. It began in the living room, and soon all six alarms were screaming at me that there was trouble. Searching the house I found no smoke, yet the alarms disagreed. Grabbing the ladder from the
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Recovery, Relapse, and The Little Foxes
by Pastor Mark Winslett Director of Counseling “Take us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.” — Song of Solomon 2:15 There is an important principle captured in this simple statement from scripture, “The little foxes spoil the vines.” Fences are built around vineyards to prevent animals
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Repentance
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 DEVOTION Last week, the Christian world celebrated the life of Billy Graham
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From Hunger to Hope
Imagine never eating a crisp salad or a fresh, juicy apple packed with wholesome nutrients your body needs to thrive. Unfortunately, this is the reality for some low-income families and senior adults in our community with limited access to transportation. The Foundry’s Mobile Food Pantry brings nourishment to our neighborhoods, driving into five low-income areas
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got mentors?
by A Program Participant I never imagined myself having to spend 12 months in a recovery program. How did I find myself here? Life happened. I left home when I graduated high school and met my soul mate. We got married and had three children. They grew up, got married and now I have three
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Commitment
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 Weary? Weary of the battle? Weary of the scorn? Weary of the cynical looks? Weary of anger? Weary of the thorns? Weary of being marginalized? Weary of being shunned?
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Throw Off Your Cloak
by Julia Charleston “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus’), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have
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Hungry For More
The point when we think we know all that there is to know is usually when we are in the most desperate need of spiritual growth. During times like these, it’s healthy to do a self-inventory. An important item to check off of our list is unending hunger for God and the things of God.
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A Path to Purpose
What is your calling? Are you being called to something more? For service? For leadership? Here is an excerpt from the The YES Journey: A Story of Starting Where You Are and Living Your Purpose by Bill and Michele Heintz, co-founders of The Foundry Ministries. In it, Pastor Bill shares some of his experience and
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Priorities
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 Devotion Have you ever walked into the grocery store without first making a list of what you need to purchase? Naturally, your first stop is the produce section because it’s at the front of
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Holy of Holies
by Rick Todd Chief Logistics Officer/Assistant Pastor In biblical times, only Levitical Priests were permitted to enter the sacred space called the Holy of Holies. As he opened the curtain and stepped into the chamber just outside the room to perform his priestly duties, I wonder what his thoughts were knowing God Almighty was just
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The Greatest Blessing
I’ve never been in an actual prison cell, but I do remember all too well the prison of hopelessness while living outside of God’s will. Because of this, I may have a special affection for the men in The Foundry’s Prison ReEntry program, who are transitioning from prison to productive living in our community. I
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The Best is Yet to Come!
Sis Dixon Director of The Foundry Resource Center I was walking through our thrift store on a cold, rainy winter day and this picture caught my attention. I couldn’t help but grin when I saw this precious child. Who doesn’t love a smiling baby?! Because of the dreariness of the day, I reflected on the
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Graceful
by Micah Andrews, CEO “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 [NIV] As we quickly depart the Holy Week, I am hopeful that we do not as quickly depart the meaning of these days.
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The Triumphant Entry
by Julia Charleston “Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey’s colt.” Zechariah 9:9 [NLT] There are many contrasting elements to Jesus’ triumphant entry. He was a king who came as a lowly servant on the back of a donkey
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If I Were 22 Again
by John Roland, MDiv, MBA Director of Development & Marketing A motto I hold dear is the Cub Scouts, “Do your best.” Notice the emphasis on YOUR best. At 41 years old my top 10 tips of advice, “If I were 22 again:” 1. Be wise in marriage–Marriage can be such an incredible joy and
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National Volunteer Week
During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of difference makers. Join us during this week as we host unique volunteer opportunities for those looking to get involved, but aren’t sure where to start. These opportunities will give you a sneak peek into what it is like to volunteer
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By Ourselves, But Not Alone
by Julia Charleston “Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, ‘Sit here while I go over there to pray.'” Matthew 26:36 [NLT] Our strength comes from community; we’re most powerful where two or more are gathered. Jesus and his disciples were strongest when they were together. Their power
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Holy Fire
by Julia Charleston With a single flick of the lighter, the pages of her bible were ablaze. Her hands shook with rage as she exacted revenge on a God who would allow so much disappointment and loss. She had turned to drugs to cope; to mask the sadness she felt deep inside, and after her
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Healing
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and
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Faithful Stewards
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) I’m not from a background of addiction; an Alabama prison has never been my home. By the grace of God, I’ve always had a roof over my head,