Coming from a godless home and not knowing God or how to find peace within, Jim Summers cried out in a moment of desperation and began a life of faith that has impacted countless lives. Walking away from a lucrative career, he and his young family embarked on a mission to reach out to hurting, troubled and addicted teens in Huntsville, Alabama. With no financial backing, no formal training, no teaching materials—nothing but a simple trust in God—Jim saw many lives transformed.
Jim began his early ministry to youth in Madison County, Alabama with not much more than a Bible and a desire to see lives changed. Countless times he witnessed the faithfulness of God to provide needs and open doors for young men—and later young women— who desperately needed change. Through God’s faithfulness and a series of miracles, housing and properties were acquired, which enabled him to start a residential discipleship program. That program, Outreach Ministries of Alabama (OMA), in Valhermoso Springs, Alabama is still going strong 52 years later.
Many of those young people from throughout all those years have gone on to do great things for God. Some became doctors, lawyers or successful businessmen who did good for their communities and families. Others have been world-changers and have made a huge impact for the kingdom of God. Jim encourages us all to realize that one person’s ministry is not more important than another’s and that we all have a place in God’s plan if we are doing what He’s called us to do.
In this episode of Conquer Addiction, Ken Pounders and Jim Summers, founder of Outreach Ministries, discuss Jim’s personal journey to salvation and the early days of OMA. This is the first installment of a two-part discussion of God’s call and faithfulness to one man who decided to go all in for God. His story of faith and his witness of miracles will challenge you to step out and do bold things for God. You’ll be encouraged to believe God for big things for yourself and those you know who may be bound by addiction. The Conquer Addiction Podcast on the Charisma Podcast Network provides real answers to the drug epidemic. You can find more resources at omainc.org. {eoa}
