Christian Drug Rehab Program 'Project Z.A.C.' Gaining Ground

Christian drug rehab programs like Project Z.A.C., which is operating out of Laurel, New Orleans, are working to help local residents bring awareness to addiction in the hopes of establishing a place to help those affected. Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack Friday proclaimed March 2 as ‘Dying to Live Ministries Day'. Last year, the Dying to Live Ministries of Christ's Church on announced efforts to establish the Project Zac Ainsworth Center (Z.A.C.). The center will be in memory of Zac Ainsworth, who died from injuries suffered in an automobile accident in early October at the age of 19.

"Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a widespread problem that affects not only our community but has reached epidemic proportions throughout the entire nation," Mack wrote in the proclamation. "It can destroy the individual user and devastate the lives of their families and friends. It leads to the deterioration of the quality of life for the entire community through increased crime, spiritual and moral decay and the drain on our economy created by the related health problems and inability to work. Without help, drug and alcohol addicts remain locked in the grips of the abused substance and their lives continue in a downward spiral. That's why the community needs a Christian based rehab facility."

Because of these issues, Dying to Live Ministries is working to establish the Zac Ainsworth Center to serve as a Christian drug rehab center for drug addicts and alcoholics. Brandiilyne Irvin, a minister with Dying to Live, said Ainsworth struggled with drugs and alcohol, though they were not involved with his accident, and had just started to turn his life around while becoming involved with Dying to Live at the time of his death. "We want to build a place where people can come and be sober and find hope," Irvin said. "We believe people should be free and find the Lord."

Pastor Charles Hanchey, senior pastor of Christ's Church, said "Zac's death has become a rallying point for everyone. We as Christians are rallying to reach out to people with drug and alcohol addiction. "We want to establish a place where people can be helped and loved," Hanchey added. "It's really something for our young people to find help." Mack said the City of Laurel appreciates "Pastor Charles Hanchey and the ministerial staff at Christ's Church for their dedication to the rehab and restoration of those whose lives have suffered the ravages of drugs and alcohol addiction."

Officials said Friday's proclamation signing was in preparation of the Project Z.A.C. charity walk set for 2:30 p.m. on March 2. The walk will conclude with a program at 3 p.m. at City Hall. Organizers said each block that is walked is up for adoption for a donation of $500 with the donor's name displayed on the block. "We have received a lot of response on this project already," Irvin said. "So far, we've raised $25,000." Hopefully, the project will help get more addicts the help they need, along with the strong spiritual fulfillment only Christian drug rehab can give.