Letter to the Editor

Thank you hometown heroes

I wanted to share some positive news, our own hometown heroes at work every single year at Christmas time. LaCroix church with the help of businesses, put on a Christmas party for the 185 men at Mid America Teen Challenge each year. They have been doing this for many years.

With the financial help of businessmen and women such as Rex Rust with the Southeast Missourian, David Crader with Bank of Missouri, Greg Stroup with Auto Tire and Parts and Charlotte Lanpher with State Farm Insurance, along with many local merchants giving of their product such as My Daddy’s Cheesecake, Sam’s Club, Jackson Dental, Spence Orthodontics, Harter Dental, Schnucks, Domino’s, Coca Cola, Little Debbies, Unilever Ice Cream, just to mention a few — these businesses provide Christmas to men who otherwise would not have Christmas.

You see, these men are in residential treatment for drugs and alcohol, but in a program that has a success rate unlike any other drug treatment program, because it focuses on the spiritual aspect of healing, and that aspect is Jesus Christ. It is the greatest blessing to see grown men open presents, sit on Santa’s knee, get his picture taken and hear him say this is the first Christmas he is experiencing sober.

Our God is an awesome God, Teen Challenge is a remarkable program, and what a glorious sight to see through their eyes. Thank you hometown heroes for making this possible!

Jana Jateff, Cape Girardeau,

Board Member Mid America Teen Challenge