In response to the growing number of people facing addiction, Fellowship Bible Church in Shenandoah Junction has joined forces with other churches around the area to present a Reformers Unanimous opportunity at its Daniel Road location.

Beginning Feb. 2, the church will become a location for RU meetings, which will be held each Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m.

According to organizer and church member Katie Gay, “the time has come for the church to start facing addiction head-on, because addiction is a rapidly growing problem, not just within the community, but within the church.”

“Addiction is only the symptom of deeper issues that are rooted in sin,” Gay, who has faced addiction herself, said. “It’s a physical, spiritual and emotional battle that can only be won through Christ.”

Nate Kirkland, a fellow organizer, said Reformers Unanimous is a nationwide, Christ-focused addiction program designed to establish and build a spiritual relationship with Jesus and address the root issues that led people into addiction.

“It is for anyone with any imaginable kind of bad habit, stronghold of sin or addiction,” Kirkland said.

RU, according to its website, is an addiction recovery class that started in Rockford, Illinois, and offers residential help for addicted men and women. It has now expanded into churches, prisons and online resources across national communities and around the world.

The RU website describes the organization’s beginnings as a Bible study at North Love Baptist Church in April 1996, with just one student.

“That person left after one week, and the next four weeks were spent teaching the spouses of the teachers,” according to the website. “After those weeks, four new people began to attend. These four attended for the next two years … Four different people, four crippling addictions, yet only one need: Jesus Christ!”

“RU meetings strive to build supportive relationships focused on discipleship, encouragement and growth for the purpose of glorifying God,” Kirkland said.

There are well over 25 million addicts in America. The impact of addiction is multiplied at an alarming rate, as an addict’s family members, friends and coworkers can all be impacted by the devastating results of addiction.

Part of the basis for RU nationally is the core belief that, at some point, the addicted will look instinctively to the local churches for answers for hope and healing. The program now offered at Fellowship Bible Church will be one of those churches that is willing and ready to minister to those in need and their families.

The meetings will be open to anyone who wishes to join, regardless of their addictive behavior. Doors open for the Friday meetings from 7 to 9 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, 160 Daniel Road, Shenandoah Junction. More information about the local program can be found on the church website at www.fellowshipwv.org or by calling the church office at 304-728-3700. Information on the national organization can be found at www.rurecovery.com.