By Sarah Brown – Managing Editor

Peniel Recovery Home has their ground breaking Ceremony on Friday March 15, 2024. Penial Recovery Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit ministry that will soon serve as a Christ-centered residential sober-living home for men. The Ministry is a registered 501c3 institution and has obtained 10 acres of land in the City of Vienna along with special zoning for this land in order to move forward with the vision and purpose of Peniel Recovery Ministries.

The welcoming was given by Amanda Neisent the Chair of Dooly County Chamber of Commerce. She said that she looks forward to the work that will be done, the love that will be shown, the lives that will be changed, and souls that will be saved within the Ministry.

Invocation was give by City of Cordele Commissioner, Rev. Isaac Owens, who is also on the board of Peniel Recovery Ministries.

Randy Kent, the Chairman of Peniel Recovery Ministries gave his remarks, he thanked everyone for being there, the chambers for their support, those in recovery and law enforcement. He gave the timeline, this project started in 2022 when they first got incorporated; they got their non-profit status in December of 2022. So, far $100,000 has gone through the corporation. Randy said, they are here to serve those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol as well as save spiritual lives.

There was a special presentation from Lee Harris who donated $25,000 to the Ministry on behalf of the Harris Family.

Ricky Smith, who is on the Board of Directors for the Peniel Recovery Ministry, he spoke in regards to Clay’s history with addiction, and his path to get where he is now through Faith and giving his life to God. He spoke about the vision that Clay was given to help people, and spread it across Crisp, Dooly and Wilcox County.

We also heard from Rev. Clay Johnston the President & Founder of Peniel Recovery Ministries, he said that God gave him this vision to open a residents recovery home, that would be a free and safe place for man to be shown love of Christ where they learn to be sober through the bible and the biblical 12-steps with the goal to achieve long-term sobriety and enter society with tools to maintain their sobriety. The meaning behind Peniel is from Genesis 30:32, “So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel. For I have seen god face to face and my life is preserved.”

We then heard closing remarks from Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Tim Powers.

They have acquired a 2900 sq ft modular building and will develop this into a set of dorms that will sleep 12 men. This building will require a roof to be built and the inside renovated. The next step is a 50’ by 60’ metal building built on a concrete slab which will be turned into a dining hall, and kitchen, it will also serve as a multi-purpose room for classes and chapel.

Their mission is to provide a free, safe place where men can go to be shown the love of Christ as they learn to live sober through Biblical teaching and the 12-steps of recovery.

Their purpose is to share the love of Christ with these individuals and walk with them, discipling them with the tools to gain long-term sobriety.

Their goal is to commission each individual to enter back into society with the tools to stay sober and most importantly, a relationship with Jesus.

This is a very exciting time for the community as there is a need for such a ministry and service in our community. They would like to invite everyone to consider being a partner in this endeavor. They are seeking financial support from businesses, churches, civic groups, and individuals across our community. Their long-term plans entail a goal of $450,000 so we humbly ask that you prayerfully consider how you may come along aside us to raise money to accomplish this vital work.

If you would like to meet with Clay and learn more about Peniel Recovery Ministries or ask any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to call anytime. Clay can be contacted at 229-322-4665.

Officers & Board of Directors

President & Founder – Rev. Clay Johnson

Vice-President – Greg Hunt

Chairman – Randy Kent

Secretary/ Treasurer – Tricia Joiner

Shan Akin

Jason Faircloth

Isaac Owens

Monica Simmons

Hal Slade

Ricky Smith