by Emily Merrell, photo submitted

Since 2003, John 3:16 Ministries has helped men and women overcome addiction and rebuild their lives through faith and service. Its catering program is one of the many ways the ministry turns that mission into action, providing participants with hands-on training and offering the community classic Southern cuisine, perfect for the holiday season.

Brock Gaines, head of John 3:16 Catering, says that the catering services have helped the ministry grow substantially since being founded more than two decades ago.

“The proceeds from all catering goes back into the ministry to keep it completely free for men and women to come in and learn about Jesus, the only one who can change their lives,” said Gaines. “This is one of the biggest ways we are (able to be) self-supporting and continue to grow the ministry.

“Catering began in the early years of John 3:16. We have continued to grow it and build new relationships with individuals and businesses. Some days we might have three caterings all in different areas, so we have a large group that loves to serve and bring joy to others through our food.”

John 3:16 Ministries first opened its doors in May 2003 and was founded by Director Bryan Tuggle. 

“John 3:16 Ministries is a Spiritual Bootcamp for men and women who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction,” said Gaines. “It is a completely free ministry for individuals who need to find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Our slogan is, ‘We don’t offer treatment, we offer the cure,’ which is Jesus. We are the only place in Arkansas where a husband and wife can come together and both get a personal relationship with Jesus, and through (our) couples class, build their relationship on Jesus.”

Residents at John 3:16 typically stay between six to 12 months and work while they are completing the program. The ministry describes itself as a spiritual boot camp for men and women struggling with addiction. Participants do a variety of work, including carpentry, auto mechanic work, cleaning and off-campus jobs at various locations. All meals and necessities are provided to residents at no cost to them. 

John 3:16 graduate Ben Blackshare says the ministry changed his life for the better almost six years ago.

“I went into John 3:16 Ministries a physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually broken man,” said Blackshare. “I struggled actually submitting to God’s will for my life, despite knowing that it’s the ultimate plan he had for my life. Once I did that with the help of John 3:16 Ministries, I slowly started becoming the man God wanted me to be – a Godly, hardworking man sculpted in his image. I started to apply the principles found in God’s word directly to my life and God began to change me, which ultimately led me to where I am now. I’ve been completely sober for almost six years and in the middle of that I have gotten married and become a Godly husband to my wife.”

One way that John 3:16 Ministries is able to provide its life-changing program for free is through its catering service. While the catering service is known for its delicious catfish, they also offer a wide variety of other options, including pulled pork, hamburgers and steak dinners. They offer customers the option to fully customize their event with made-to-order meals, as well. 

During the holiday season, John 3:16 Catering offers a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, ham, dressing and all the sides, such as cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, rolls and dessert. They also offer pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, pork steaks and traditional steak catering. 

For those who may not want a fully-catered meal but would still like to purchase some of John 3:16’s delicious offerings for their holiday gathering, the ministry will also sell smoked meats and desserts at Walmart on Parker Road in Jonesboro. They will be set up on Nov. 25-26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be selling smoked turkeys, hams and Boston butts, as well as homemade apple, pumpkin and pecan pies.

To order catering, pre-order smoked meat or pies, or to discuss event catering, please call (870) 799-2525. To learn more about John 3:16 Ministries, visit john316thecure.com or follow its Facebook page.