An area ministry dedicated to fighting substance abuse will hold a prayer vigil Monday outside the county offices during the county commissioners meeting.
Jon Boy Walton of Milk B4 Meat ministries said the community prayer gathering is open to “all preachers, all believers, all lovers of the brethren” concerned about the alcohol referendum on the November ballot. County commissioners approved a vote on countywide beer, wine and mixed drink sales at the April 20 meeting. Commissioner Rickey Bullard cast the only vote against the referendum.
Voters will have three choices regarding alcohol sales on the November ballot: to allow beer and wine sales for on or off premises consumption, and to allow the sale of mixed drinks. The mixed drink sales would be limited to restaurants, private clubs, and hotels, in accordance with state law.
The referendum is not expected to be discussed at Monday’s commissioner meeting.
Walton is pastor of Transformation Church, located in Williams Township. He was a drug addict and alcoholic before nearly losing his life in a car crash. After accepting Jesus Christ and being called into the ministry, he has focused on helping other addicts and alcoholics.
He said he feels increasing access to alcohol in the county will only make the current addiction problems worse, and Walton called on other churches to join his efforts.
“Itis time for our leaders to see God,” Walton said in social media post. “If leadership doesn’t fear what happens to our kids then I know God does. Our choosing is why we are in this position. I believe in freedom but not of things proven to destroy your family, cost you your job or lead one to hell. I serve Him and He says be sober and vigilant. He says stay away from strong drink. To me this is what the church’s purpose is.”
Monday’s prayer gathering is open to the public and will take place at 127 W. Webster St., Whiteville, at the county office building.
