Charlotte, Ark. (KATV) — A women’s conference scheduled to take place in Charlotte, Arkansas will tackle multiple topics surrounding drug addiction, featuring speakers from the state and Beverly Vance Aikins, the mother of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.
Hosted by John 3:16, a ministry that works to dispel alcohol and drug addiction, attendees will gather at its second annual ‘Grow in Grace’ to also recognize its 22nd year of assisting men dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.
A women’s shelter was established in 2023 which currently holds 26 residents.
The anticipated event will take place on June 7 at John 3:16 Ministries’ multipurpose building at 75 Holmes Road.
Speakers for the afternoon will include:
Tammy Pearce of Batesville, speaker at and a supporter of John 3:16Jennifer Miller, a peer recovery specialist for the Arkansas County Prosecutor’s OfficeKelly Harper, who runs Shackle Free Ministries in Clarksville with her husband JaradMelissa Bryant of Jonesboro, whose work in the community includes leading Bible studies, evangelizing on the street, ministering to homeless, and taking mission trips.
“When people of John 3:16, they think of Crowder, they think of the many faith houses, the 2,000 graduates – they think BIG,” said Erin Trautwein, an instructor at the ministry. “But we are here, too, and we are trying to build relationships with women and restore families as well. It’s my hope that in five years when someone mentions John 3:16 they’ll think of us, too.”
With experience and a willing intention to share lessons learned from the grips of drug addiction, a light shined on Aikins’ story through her son, Vice President J.D. Vance’s memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.”
His book tackled his mother’s battle with drug addiction, and discussed her access to prescription medication, which became increasingly prevalent during her time working as a nurse.
Her use led her to bouts with heroin, and later homelessness as she once had to live out of her car.
Vance’s memoir captured the vulnerable, heart wrenching moments of his mother’s ongoing battle and also her evolving path to sobriety.
“She is 10 years clean from addiction and felt like she had a lot of hope to offer these ladies,” Tuggle went on to say. “It was two different families from her church who made a donation for her to get to go to rehab, so she knows what these ladies have been through. She seems to be very humble but she’s very excited to get to come here – she’s never been to Arkansas.”
Tuggle contacted Aikins via social media about a potential appearance to speak at a conference in Charlotte, in which she happily accepted.
To learn more about John 3:16 men’s and women’s ministries, call 870-799-2525 or click here.