By Linda Gonzales Battle
Our second week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, May 2, 2011 at the Riverdale Community Center.
The purpose of this meeting is to sponsor a program by the Solicitor’s office called PTI, which consists of “First Time Offenders” who have been charged with non-violent crimes. This is an eight week program that consists of various speakers who share their ideas. In these sessions, there is a question and answer session.
The meeting was opened by Bishop Eddie Ingram, Mt. Sinia Church, with prayer. He introduced the speakers.
Betty Legette, Manning Baptist Church reiterated some of her comments from last week. She talked about relapsing stating that you have to continually pray and keep going. Prayer changes things. Whatever reason you are here tonight for, temptation will come and you have to walk away.
There are obstacles, but you have to walk away. Whenever you graduate from this program, you will be on your own. But, you have to utilize what you learn from this program and go on. She also talked about boundaries and making choices. In closing Ms. Legette reiterated stating that if you have an addiction, think of the consequences and it will make a difference.
Bishop Eddie Ingram, Mt. Sinia Church, reiterated some of Ms. Legette’s comments. He talked about holding your peace. Temptation is everywhere. Not yielding is the problem. Everybody will have pitfalls in life, but it is up to you whether or not you can come out. People will bring you down, no matter what changes you make. Bishop Ingram gave some examples of pitfalls.
In closing, Bishop Ingram encouraged the participants to stay focused and not to give up.
Rev. Johnny Page, Mt. Sinia Church talked about fighting temptation. He stated that God is in charge and you need not to worry. We are tempted to do wrong, but take time to pray. You need to have patience. In closing, Rev. Page stated that you should be all you can be in life.
You might lie to us, but you can’t lie to God.
Larry Abraham, Chief Deputy, gave background information on the program to the new participants. He also reviewed the rules and regulations. He encourage them to stay focused and do the right thing.