Open Arms Ministries’ transitional living quarters ministry is underway on 1.7 acres directly behind Riverview Baptist Church north of Troy.

Open Arms Ministries is a faith-based program that includes plans for a transitional living facility for men who have recently completed a substance abuse program.

“The ministry will be designed to provide a loving, accountable and safe environment for men to continue developing a relationship with the Lord and focus on becoming productive and responsible members of their families and their communities,” said

Mark Brantley, a member of the Open Arms Ministries team.

Riverview Baptist Church donated the acreage to Open Arms and “dirt has been moved.”

“We’ve been a long time getting to this point but we’re excited to get going,” Brantley said. “Mitchell Harris at H&L Construction in Troy and Luke Johnston of Johnston Trucking in Brundidge brought in the big equipment that we need to get the trees down and the brush cleared. Now, we can see dirt and that’s exciting.”

Brantley said that without the support of the Riverview Baptist Church and H&L Construction and Johnston Trucking, “seeing dirt” would not be possible.

“We, at Open Arms Ministries, are so thankful for this support,” Brantley said. “We are now moving forward with the plans for this much needed transitional living facility and with the belief that others will come forward as our needs shift during construction time.”

Phases II and III will be the leveling of the land and the laying of the foundation and construction of the facility.

“The plans call for a 40×80-foot metal building, with living quarters for 10 men,” Brantley said. “The building will also have a kitchen and dining areas, a commons area and areas for doing laundry and record keeping.

Phase IV will be the occupancy of the transitional living quarters. There will be a house supervisor on-site at all times.

“This facility will be a place where these men can grow in their faith and develop the skills they need to be successful in the workplace,” Brantley said.

Dr. Malone Chandler, pastor of Riverview Baptist Church, said there is a great need for a Bible-based “halfway” house in Pike County.

“The need for Christian ministry dealing with addictions and rehabilitation is evident as many families have had a member who has been bound by illegal or prescription drug addiction or alcoholism,” Chandler said. “The transitional living, Bible-based home program has been operated successfully in many other communities. This transitional living facility will be a major step toward helping bridge the gap between rehab and returning to a normal productive life with family while joining the work force again.”

Visit the Open Arms Ministries at www.openarmstroyal.com for more information.