#45 - "I Got Into Counseling To Get Rich" (Brandon Bower and Dr. Shaw)

Dr. Shaw introduces Brandon Bower from The Lighthouse, which is a men's transitional housing program whose leadership believes in the hope of the Gospel for the heart of addiction. The Lighthouse is different from a detox center in that it is a transitional program. In addition to employment, four (4) weekly activities are required in the program: 1) Biblical manhood which is teaching them what it is like to be a godly man. teaching them a biblical perspective on issues surrounding an individual's manhood, relationships, drugs, sex, parenting, etc. 2) Life Skills Group – on lots of topics like anger management, self-worth vs self-esteem. 3) Mentorship Program – where local community churchmen are giving back to the guys by meeting with them once a week and checking in with texts or calls. 4) Church on Sunday. Brandon briefly describes his upbringing as a Pastor’s kid, being outwardly compliant, and the lifestyle that he pursued in his adult life. He describes an encounter with a police officer, then to the judge, then to a counselor. He became determined to be a biblical counselor because he wanted to get rich. (Brandon explains that his counselor loved Jesus and drove a Mercedes). But Brandon never wanted to work with addicts or be a pastor. Brandon gives the background of The Lighthouse's six-year history with 2 houses, 16 beds, and says that since January 2020 they’ve turned away 97 people who were seeking help. So their board has approved the purchase of a new building that will serve an additional 12 people. “We’re looking for the next person who wants change. If someone wants change desperately, we’re the place for them. There’s a lot of places around – even here in Ft. Wayne—who will give you a bed to get out of jail. That’s not who we are. We’re about helping people change.” -Brandon Bower Find The Lighthouse and other Christ-centered ministries: TheAddictionConnection.org The ministry is in the midst of a Capital Campaign with $300,000 needed to finish paying off the new building and renovate it. Find The Lighthouse: biblicalliferecoverycenter.com