Working on the farm, at paying jobs, and in volunteer roles are important pieces of the recovery process used at Crossover Ministries.

The organization operates a faith-based addiction recovery center in Opp.

“This community, Opp and Andalusia, has been very, very good to us,” the Rev. James “Red” Coleman, a former Crossover client who now helps run the ministry, said.

Coleman and a crew from Crossover Ministries went door to door in Opp Friday praying with the residents and offering to help with light yard work.

There were not many residents who allowed the crew to pray for them or work around the house.

“Normally one out of 20 let you do something,” Coleman said. “One out of 10 let you pray for them.

“Because of the public’s apprehension of the idea of drug attacks in the neighbor, people are skeptical,” he said. “Once they break through the shell, they realize these guys are real people.”

Nell Harris, a resident of Opp, is just moving into her home and asked for prayers that the transmission would go smoothly.

Another resident, Linda Sowell, asked if the members could replace her roof, but settled for prayers for her husband, Larry, who will soon have a hip replacement.

Coleman said he believes giving back to the community helps for the community to give back to these men.

“We need to help out in the community,” Coleman said. “We’ve got some strong backs.”

Crossover is a non-profit faith based recovery ministry, based on scriptural principles about addiction and sin.

The program blends a working and study environment with the Word of God.

The program operates a nine-acre garden on Hwy. 84 and excess produce is sold fresh at the farm.

“I have a young crew this time,” Coleman said. “I don’t have a man on the farm crew that’s over 23.”

The program has not had a lot of success rehabilitating the younger guys because they think they can take on the world, he said.

“But if you get locked up enough, bump your head enough times, break your momma’s heart enough times, that may be what it takes to get these guys right,” he said.

In addition to the volunteer work clients sometimes do, Crossover crews can be hhired for lawn car and for cleaning. For information, call 493-1030.