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When a spouse or child is struggling with addiction, those around them often find themselves struggling with guilt, shame, and hopelessness. Jerry Nance, Director of Global Teen Challenge, joins Gary Wilkerson to encourage families of addicts not to lose hope.
Key Points from the Podcast
- A burden of guilt is often carried by the parent or spouse of someone addicted to drugs. We cannot wallow in despair. Repent and learn from any mistakes you may have made. Don’t get stuck on past failures.
- We all have a deep desire for affirmation. Use today to encourage your loved one who may be struggling with addiction.
- Most addicts feel that their life is worthless and meaningless. One of the best things you can do is help them see their value and purpose.
- Your happiness and joy cannot be dependent on your family member getting sober.
- If your addicted loved one is still alive, there is still hope for freedom.
- Enduring the difficulties around addiction requires the grace of God. Follow Jesus’ example and spend time in prayer seeking God.
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Other Episodes with Jerry Nance:
About Jerry Nance
Dr. Jerry Nance is known for his passion – a passion to see Teen Challenge extend its reach around the world to help thousands of more people find freedom from addiction. He has served as President and CEO of Global Teen Challenge since 2007.
Dr. Nance is a servant leader at heart, having begun a career in ministry as an associate pastor and senior pastor of a local church and later, Crusade Associate for Teen Challenge founder, David Wilkerson. His education uniquely qualifies him for addiction outreach and recovery. He holds a B.S. in Religious Studies from Southwestern University, a Master's Degree in Counseling from Barry University, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy in Leadership, Education with a specialization in Counseling from Barry University.
Beyond his leadership expertise, Dr. Nance is valued by friends, clients, and colleagues for something more than can be learned in a classroom - his compassion. He cares deeply for people who struggle with life-controlling addiction and is always ready and eager to develop the resources and programs necessary to facilitate their full recovery. From 1991-2017, he served as the Executive Director of Teen Challenge of Florida, leading the organization to an expansion of 21 centers across six states: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Missouri. He has extended residential services to over 1,200 men and women, boys and girls. Today, it is his privilege to serve Global Teen Challenge, assisting international leadership in 125 nations and working with them to put hope within reach of every addict.
Dr. Nance and his wife, Libby, reside in Georgia and are the proud parents of three grown children and grandparents of nine grandchildren.
About Gary Wilkerson
Gary Wilkerson is the President of World Challenge, an international mission organization that was founded by his father, David Wilkerson. He is also the Founding Pastor of The Springs Church, which he launched in 2009 with a handful of people. He has traveled nationally and internationally at conferences and conducted mission ventures such as church planting, starting orphanages, clinics, feeding programs among the poorest of the poor and the most unreached people of the earth. Gary and his wife Kelly have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.