Little Rock, Arkansas – As part of the annual escape Fest at John 3:16 Ministries, a camp for men seeking escape from substance abuse and addiction, The Oak Ridge Boys are bringing their “Front Porch Singin’ Tour” to Charlotte, Arkansas.
“July is the month the nation celebrates its freedom and independence, and it is also the month that the residents at John 3:16 celebrate their freedom from drug and alcohol addiction,” said Bryan Tuggle, camp founder, and director.
A barbeque meal will kick off the celebrations on July 1st, per a press release. Every lunch ticket includes a raffle entry for the chance to win a Spartan Mower RZ zero-turn riding mower, with a retail value of $3,600.
Hits from their 2021 album “Front Porch Singin’,” as well as crowd favorites and gospel songs, will be performed by The Oak Ridge Boys.
In Charlotte, near 75 Holmes Road, is John 3:16. All attendees are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, etc., and gates will open at 4:30 p.m. There will be bounce houses put up, and the evening will conclude with a fireworks display.
A variety of artifacts created by inhabitants of John 3:16 will be up for auction at the event, including wooden cutting boards, canvas prints, metal and wood signage, and lighting crosses.
According to a press release from John 3:16 Ministries, “John 3:16 has been free of charge for 20 years helping men overcome their drug and alcohol addictions. When someone inquires about the cost of admission for a loved one, the team has always said, “Jesus Christ already paid the price.
Donations and fundraisers provide the majority of the nonprofit’s funding.
One step in the healing process, according to instructor A.J. Austin, is selling goods manufactured by the men in the camp.
“That’s part of what John 3:16 does, getting guys that’ve been in drug addiction and teaches them Jesus to get that freedom in Him but also teaches them how to put our hands on something and do something with our lives,” Austin said.
Austin, who himself completed the program in June 2021, can relate to how it feels to see people place bids on products that would help the ministry, which is currently home to 260 men.
“It’s a big confidence booster. It’s like God is showing you that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing,” he said. “At the end of my addiction, everything I touched went wrong, whether I wanted it to or not. Even with the best intentions, it still went wrong. So…to see something that I’ve put my hands on actually be worth something to someone means a lot.”
Instructor Brent Waugh also said the items have a deeper meaning. “Everything we do represents every man that came before us and every man that will come after us, like Jesus–what He did for one He did for all of us.”
“We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a night to remember filled with music, food and family entertainment,” Tuggle said.
Visit john316thecure.com or call 870-799-2525 for additional details about Freedom Fest.