Former Cardinals pitcher Benes to headline Celebrate Recovery Picnic

While former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes may be known for his baseball successes, when he comes to Cape Girardeau later this month, his focus will be on his struggles.

Benes was the first pick in the 1988 Major League Baseball draft and won an Olympic gold medal the same year. Benes, who finished his career after 2002 with a 155-139 record in 14 seasons, was named to the All-Star Team once and finished in the top 10 twice of the Cy Young Award voting for the National League's best pitcher. He enjoyed plenty of fame and popularity in St. Louis, but his home life was a different story. He struggled with alcohol and had a troubled relationship with his wife and children.

After nearly losing his family, Benes decided it was time to become a better father, husband and Christian. He will share the story of his journey Sept. 28 at the St. Andrew Lutheran Church's annual Celebrate Recovery Picnic.

"Andy has got a fantastic testimony about where his life was at one time and where God brought him," said Joanne Erlbacher, women's ministry leader at St. Andrew.

The church has offered the Celebrate Recovery program for six years, and offers men's and women's groups. The worldwide program is more than 20 years old. It's a 12-step program available for anyone with a hurt, habit or hang-up.

"It's for anyone -- not just [those with a] chemical dependency, but for anyone who has got things going on in their lives or people in their lives keeping them from being able to live out the life they should be living," said Erlbacher.

She estimates only 30 percent of those who attend the program at St. Andrew are working to move past a personal chemical dependency. Others are there to work through issues such as depression, divorce and eating disorders. Even more attend because they have a loved one in their lives who struggled with drug addiction or alcoholism.

Although it's a faith-based program, Erlbacher said belief is not required for attendance.

"Anybody's always welcome to come to Celebrate Recovery," she said. "You just show up."

That invitation extends to the picnic, where Benes will share his testimony. Erlbacher said she hopes to see a full house that night and believes the former major leaguer's message will uplift those dealing with their own struggles. She also said it would be a great opportunity for children and young adults to hear the story from a famous athlete about the consequences of making destructive decisions.

"He is a sports figure and young people look up to them for their talent and all the notoriety they get, and I just think it would be good for young people to come ..." Erlbacher said. "Everybody has their struggles, even people that are put up on pedestals. Life is life; it's no different for anybody else, nor is getting help and realizing you do need help."

The Celebrate Recovery Picnic will begin with fellowship and children's games, followed by food and wrapping up with worship and testimony from Benes.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the program may visit lglomd.org.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

804 N. Cape Rock Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

St. Andrew's annual Celebrate Recovery Picnic

Sunday, Sept. 28

* 4:30 p.m.: Fellowship and children's games

* 5 p.m.: Dinner

* 6 p.m.: Large group worship with guest speaker Andy Benes