SPOTLIGHT: Why Would We Legalize a City-Destroying Drug?


Written by Benjamin Smith

A recent forum on marijuana, hosted by IFI, is the source of this week’s Spotlight podcast. Many factors contribute to the growing problem of homelessness in America and according to Pastor Phil Kwiatkowski, president of Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, the most common factor is drug use and addiction.  With this reality in mind, how could anyone, especially in Chicago (ranked in the top 10 U.S. cities for homelessness), think that legalizing recreational marijuana is a good idea? Pastor Kwiatkowski presents his observations on the connection between homelessness and drug use, specifically marijuana use, through the stories of the teens and adults who have come to Pacific Garden Mission to find help and hope.

After the break, PGM substance abuse counselors Ron Childers and Theodore Jones share how their very first marijuana joint – in college and 6th grade, respectively – started them down the path to alcohol and hard drug use, substance abuse, and incarceration. Jones speaks of his “journey from misery to ministry” and both men give glory to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the freedom from drug dependency and life-transforming help they found at Pacific Garden Mission.

Take ACTION: Please click HERE to send a message to your state senator and state representative and encourage them to put on the brakes in the foolhardy rush to legalize marijuana. Additionally, please call your lawmakers to inform them of the growing opposition to legalization. The Capitol switchboard number is (217) 782-2000.


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