CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People in addiction recovery are filling the seats of a Bible study in Charlotte. 

What You Need To Know

  •  A Bible study in Charlotte is helping people in addiction recovery

  •  Aaron Carpenter, who is part of the class at Pritchard at South End Church, said Bible study has helped him in his recovery from drug addiction

  •  He recalls overdosing at least a dozen times

  •  In 2021, North Carolina had a record number of overdose deaths

It was unexpected, but it has created a new mission for Pritchard at South End Church. The church started Christian Walk in 2021 for new believers. 

Gary Huhnerkoch is one of the instructors.

“We found out four people were signed up, and the common thread is all were in addiction recovery,” Huhnerkoch said. 

Aaron Carpenter joined the Bible study in late 2021. Carpenter, who is recovering from drug addiction, said the common thread is not lost on him. 

“The fact that I wasn’t alone in knowing that God played a part in my recovery,” Carpenter said. 

He recalls turning to drugs and alcohol after having a painful childhood. 

“I had a very traumatic, extremely abusive childhood, a lot of neglect. A lot of physical abuse,” Carpenter said. 

He used anything from prescription medication to heroin and fentanyl.

“Whatever I could get my hands on. Whatever numbed me,” he said. 

He recalls overdosing at least a dozen times. 

“It’s undeniable, there was divine intervention of me being here,” Carpenter said. 

In North Carolina, 4,041 people died after an overdose in 2021, which is the highest number in a single year in the state. 

Carpenter is not surprised at the statistic but is sharing his story in hopes of making a difference. 

“If I can take the pain from my past and help other people, it makes everything worth it,” Carpenter said. 

The Bible study has grown to 15 people. 

“Our hope in this class is how can we encourage them to deepen their Christian faith and their walk with Christ and as a result of doing that, it’s going to give them the strength to overcome their addictions,” Huhnerkoch said.

Huhnerkoch said he is more compassionate because of his students, who he now considers friends. 

“They are no different than I am. Their struggle had a harsher consequence than mine,” Huhnerkoch said.

Carpenter, who works in construction and is an avid baker, is grateful to come here every week. 

“This is family. The acceptance is awesome,” Carpenter said. 

The class meets Saturday evenings. They share a meal and have fellowship for 45 minutes before diving into Bible study.