CRESTVIEW — Exodos Rehabilitation Ministries is seeking donations for its annual dinner and auction event set for 5:30 p.m. March 18 at Woodlawn Baptist Church.
Proceeds from auctioned items benefit Exodos Ministries, which helps men with chemical-based addictions, from alcohol to prescription medication.
"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year," said Kyra Crowson, who started the ministry five years ago with her husband, Thomas, the head director.
The ministry seeks items for a silent and vocal auction.
Residents can contribute "something around the house that you think is an auction-able item to donate to this ministry," Kyra said. Items can range from a dining room dish set to collectables like a vintage vinyl record set.
Donations can be deducted from taxes.
The auction is one way to continue the organization's mission, event organizers said.
"We raised over $12,000 at last year's event," Kyra said.
However, it costs more than $15,000 a month to run the ministry, which also is funded by the Exodos thrift store, 696 N. Ferdon Blvd.
The Christian-based ministry — which can accept as many as five men at a time — reportedly has helped more than 60 men overcome their addictions at a secluded Painter Branch Road facility.
The residential program — which requires each individual seeking treatment to stay at least 90 days —provides spiritual guidance through Bible studies, individual and group counseling and regular worship services.
The ministry contacts each individual's family to counsel them.
"The difference between us and other facilities is that we minister to the family," Kyrasaid. "If you don't get the entire family involved, then what is the point."
Kyra and her family of four boys dealt with addiction when Thomas formed an addiction to prescription pain medication following multiple back surgeries, she said.
He was arrested in 2007 after breaking into a residence seeking pain medication, but his wife was happy the incident occurred.
"I said, 'Lord do what you (must) to make him realize that something is not right," Kyra said.
After getting the help he needed, the couple decided to have a faith-based ministry.
"We started it with some like-minded Christian friends and God has just added on since then," Kyra said.
Vocational program
While staying at the residential facility, each individual participates in a vocational program.
Josh Furr checked into the facility in 2011 for alcohol addiction, which worsened following the death of his three nieces who were killed in a traffic incident, he said.
"I was to the point where I was suicidal," Furr said.
A family physician and his sister referred him to Exodos.
Now, Furr — who is going through his second stint of recovery at the facility — also ministers to men there, taking them to several locations where they participate in various projects.
"We help the elderly and those who are unable to do things around their house," he said, adding that lawn care and installing flooring are among their frequent projects.
They also are responsible for the landscaping at Woodlawn Baptist Church.
Furr said he plans to help each resident conquer addiction through sharing his experience and the word of God.
"This is where I need to be for the time being," Furr said, adding it has nearly been a year since he has consumed alcohol.
When he does decide to leave, Furr said he is confident that he will not make the same mistake.
"I'm not saying that there will never be that temptation," he said.
But "I know in my heart I can walk away from that."
Want to help?
Contact Exodos Ministries at 682-1511 or see exodosministries.com.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ministry seeks donations for auction