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The Need
America's inner cities have been called the "4th world", a world of violence, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and kids without dads. A world of broken families, broken kids, broken promises and lost hope. Columbus, as the 15th largest city in our nation, is no exception. We know from the pages of the Bible and through repeated first hand experience that it is ultimately the life-giving and life-changing message of the love of Jesus Christ that has the power to break this cycle of abuse and neglect. That is why here, C.R.A.C.K. means CHRIST RESURRECTS AFTER CRACK KILLS. The C.R.A.C.K House Ministries (CHM) is positioned to deliver that message with love and hands-on assistance.
The History
The Executive Director of CHM is Mr. Mitchell Ellison. In 1992, Mitchell, his wife Sandra and their children were all homeless as a consequence of Mitchell's drug and alcohol addiction. But God heard Mitchell's cry from the "bottom" and His love and truth set Mitchell free. Over a period of several years, Mitchell worked hard, studied hard and relied on God for perseverance in rebuilding his broken relationship with Sandra and to repay those he owed. Most importantly, he was broken before God, and has been transformed into the effective leader he is today. A couple of Columbus area churches and their leaders worked closely with Mitchell and Sandra as God restored their family and healed their marriage. Sandra began to see a husband who was willing to lay down his own life for her and for their children by working long hours, sacrificing his needs in favor of theirs, and treating them with the love and the dignity God requires of a husband and a father.
The Passion
As Mitchell grew in His relationship with Jesus, God gave him a passion to reach others dependent on crack cocaine and alcohol, with the life changing message that had penetrated his heart. As he surrendered his will to God's, his gift developed... communicating God's truth with grace, humility, humor and power to people he is uniquely qualified to understand.
The People
Crack cocaine and alcohol addictions have no respect for racial or socio-economic boundaries; neither does The C.R.A.C.K. House. It is a ministry made up of people of diverse backgrounds, and serves people who are equally diverse. It has served as a center of racial reconciliation for many years. God has answered prayer for transformed lives as many have surrendered their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. God has answered prayer for laborers by transforming users and ex-convicts into musicians, technicians, Bible study leaders and van drivers.
In the year 2000 in a small one-room building on Cleveland Avenue the C.R.A.C.K. House was born. Less than a year later, CHM was able to purchase a 3000 square foot building at 1910 Cleveland Avenue, believing that God would use this facility to further the ministry.
The Provision
The current annual budget is under $150,000. Funding sources include: several suburban Columbus churches, weekly offerings, sober home program rent, the C.R.A.C.K. House Partner program in which individuals or families have pledged $100 per month to this ministry, private foundations and a few high net worth individuals. Mitchell Ellison and Chris Zeidner are the only two people on the payroll. All other services are provided by volunteers. The financial plan for the housing program is that it be largely self-supporting to cover most of the mortgage, taxes, utilities, and maintenance expenses.
The HousingThe ministry operates several sober homes in the Columbus area, meeting a desperate need for safe, drug-free, affordable housing for men who once lived on the streets. The men are required to pay a small monthly rent that amounts to approximately $10 a day, as they learn to assume responsibility again.
The Ministries
At the center of this expanding work of God is PRAYER. For over ten years, Mitchell and a growing number of others have come to God every Tuesday morning. They believe that agreement in prayer reaches the heart of God, and they have seen Him respond again and again to the prayers of His people. As the Executive Director, Mitchell provides much more than strong, transparent leadership. He has a vibrant teaching ministry as well. The calendar shows the ongoing meetings as well as one time events.
The Vision
While there are numerous testimonies of changed lives through God's work at the C.R.A.C.K. House, we believe God's promise that He wants to expand the borders of His kingdom in several ways through the following critical resources.
Broader participation among Columbus churches. While a couple of Columbus area churches have been involved from the outset, a broader base of prayer, financial and volunteer support will allow for even greater impact in our city.
Talented administrative leadership is needed to oversee the growth of the practical ministries including the Sober Homes, a more formal jobs program, medical assistance opportunities, after-school programs, out-of-the-city retreat activities and other practical help to those in recovery.