Congressman Rich Nugent was “overwhelmed” after touring House of Hope, a place and program for recovering addicts, Saturday in Wildwood.
The Republican House member was a special guest at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the campus which was formerly operated by Youth Challenge.
The program for last-chance addicts was on the brink of total collapse before Hope Lutheran Church in The Villages stepped in.
“When we help people, God builds his kingdom,” the Rev. Barry Hunteman of Hope Lutheran Church told the crowd gathered for the ribbon-cutting and picnic lunch.
Nugent said he was impressed by what people of faith — not government — can do.
“A faith-based program has the strongest chance of succeeding,” he said.
The Congressman presented a flag which had been flown over the Capitol and asked that it now be flown over the House of Hope campus.
Several of the men in the program bore witness to the impact House of Hope has already had on their lives. One spoke of being close to suicide three weeks ago before he came to House of Hope.
The men sang songs of praise, much to the delight of those present.
“When you step on these grounds, you can feel the presence of the Lord,” said Hope Lutheran member Len Robertson, who has been a driving force behind the renovation of th 28-acre campus set under the Live Oaks just off the Florida Turnpike.
Several members of New Covenant United Methodist Church were also on hand for the ceremony. NCUMC was instrumental in guiding Hope Lutheran to this endeavor.
“The spirit of the Lord is walking among all of us to make this work,” said Bob Becker of NCUMC.
Malcolm Mosley, administrator at House of Hope and himself a recovering addict, said he had literally prayed for a miracle.
“God answers prayers,” he said.
