Folks around here know I just returned from my archaeological dig in the Middle East. Called the Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project (TeHEP), this was our 8th season of excavation in the country of Jordan. It’s a special privilege to do this and I’m grateful.
As assistant director, I’m supposed to keep things running smoothly at the site every day, as well as write daily updates to TeHEP friends and supporters. I also led many of the morning devotional times during our daily 20 morning ride to the site. I spoke about Proverbs and Biblical principles of recovery – and, of course, lots of references to Helping Up Mission.
Consequently, I had many conversations with others on our dig team about addiction and recovery. Jay sat with me for breakfast and shared her story about 20 years sober and 15 years not smoking. She’s still active in AA today.
Dr. John works on a Native American reservation out west and we talked about drug and alcohol use there vs. the inner city. Dr. Richard works with drug addicts in London, England and was very interested in what we do and why.
Others on our team have family members struggling in addiction and wanted more information on HUM. It doesn’t matter where you go, people are hurting over drug and alcohol addiction.
It was exciting for me to share all the good things that happen here every day. While I love archaeology – and it’s a major part of my life and work – my job at Helping Up Mission is the coolest thing I’ve ever done. And I’m glad to be back in Baltimore, home of the Super Bowl winning Baltimore Ravens!
One Season at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director