After watching body after body robbed of life by drug overdose pile up in his job, Dr Thomas Andrew retired last month, as chief medical examiner of New Hampshire, to become a chaplain. “I’m not alarmist by nature, but this is not overhyped. It has completely overwhelmed us” Andrew told the New York Times about the worst drug epidemic in America’s history. The 60-year-old doctor, who spent two decades as chief forensic pathologist, witnessing the ravages of drugs on life, will be studying at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio to prepare for his second act – ministering to young people about staying away from drugs.

“After seeing thousands of sudden, unexpected or violent deaths, I have found it impossible not to ponder the spiritual dimension of these events for both the deceased and especially those left behind,” he told the New York Times. Overdoses have become the leading cause of death among Americans under 50. Data from the state show drug users in their 20s and 30s are increasingly dying of heart-valve infections, known as endocarditis. In May, he said Carfentanil, was introduced to the New Hampshire market. It is used as a tranquilising agent for elephants and other large mammals. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said it is 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

“It makes me feel like my hair is on fire, and I don’t even have hair,” Andrew said of the drug threat. “We’re already so far behind the eight-ball here, if we have an influx of carfentanil in this state, heaven help us.” Andrew plans on becoming an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church, where he hopes to serve as a chaplain for the Boy Scouts of America, and join the Appalachian Trail Chaplaincy of the United Methodist Church to minister to troubled hikers as well.

Source: Christian Post

Bible Study: Hebrews 7:24-25

JANUARY PRAY for the many young people who are getting caught up in slavery to drugs.
PRAY churches will find ways to minister God’s liberation, and give support to people like Andrew.