Submitted by Linda Gonzales Battle
Our fifth week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, August 8, 2011, 7:00 p.m. at the Riverdale Community Center.
The purpose of this meeting is to sponsor a program by the Solicitor’s office called PTI, which consists of “First Time Offenders” who have been charged with non-violent crimes.
This is an eight week program that consists of various speakers who share their ideas. In these sessions, there is a question and answer session. The meeting was opened by Rev. Michael Battle, Chaplin with prayer. He introduced the speakers.
Betty Legette, Manning Baptist Church, asked the participants about their commitment which she discussed last week. They responded individually. She told them to stay focused and keep being committed.
Take one day at a time. She reiterated some of her past drug activities.
In spite of it all, Ms. Legette stated that she is glad that she has God in her life. She encouraged the participants to utilize what is being stated by all of the speakers.
She also told the participants to think before they act. Whenever you decide to do something, think first because there will be consequences. PTI is your second and last chance.
She stated that being a recovering addict, she still has a sponsor, who she calls whenever she has a problem. She told the participants that whatever they did to get in this program and you get caught doing the same thing, the judge will not have mercy.
You need to thank Mr. Joe Williams for going beyond the call of duty getting you in this program. In closing, Ms. Legette told the participants if they were not here for themselves, then they won’t make it. You can’t be here for your family only. Be here first for yourself.
Frank Williams, Dillon Congregational Holiness Church, reiterated some of Ms. Legette’s comments. He stated if you are lost and do not know the goodness of the Lord, you can repent and ask the Lord to help you He is no respect of person. He did it for him and He will do it for you. He talked about his past drug life. He stated that God is a good God. He has plans and purpose for everybody.
You can’t stop these drug habits on your own. You need the help of the Lord. It is never too late to accept the help of the Lord. When you do, your life will be a whole lot different. He encouraged the participants to be consistent of what they are doing.
If you are supposed to be here every Monday night, be on time. In closing, Mr. Williams told the participants that he loved them and is here to give them some encouraging words.
Rev. Johnny Page, Mt. Sinai Church, reiterated the Ms. Legette’s and Mr. Williams’ comments. He reiterated Ms. Legette’s and Mr. Williams’ comments. He talked about looking at yourself in the mirror. We take things to heart. We have to stay focused and do the right thing. He also stated that some of his friends associate him with his past and cannot accept that he is a minister. But he and God know that he is a changed man. In closing Rev. Page talked about support systems and their purposes.
Joe Willams, President, thanked the participants and members for their continual support. He also stated that on August 12 there would be a “Back to School” program for children going back to school. There will be various speakers and a choir in attendance. He is requesting everyone’s attendance.
