By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

The groups come together once a week to check in, hold each other accountable and have a main teaching time.

“His Steps” meets at Coastal Bible Fellowship in Rincon and is for anyone struggling with any addiction – drugs, alcohol, pornography, overeating, or gambling.

“We want to fill this niche to give people the tools to fight their addiction,” said Pastor Mike Gianeskis. He added that people are not forced to join the church. Friends and/or family members who want to learn how to support those with these problems are welcomed to attend.

The group is led by Alex Marshall, a recovered addict and born-again Christian, with oversight from Gianeskis, Coastal Bible Fellowship’s founding pastor. Gianeskis is a certified biblical counselor with ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors) and a Commissioned Addictions Biblical Counselor (CABC). 

Counselors also help people with marital and parenting issues, depression, and any other issue that would keep anyone from growing in their faith and defeating negative habits.

“His Steps” is a free program. “We know people have jobs, but they’re struggling,” Gianeskis adds. “You don’t have to feel that guilt. God accepts people in the midst of their problem.”

Members of His Steps meet 6:30-8 p.m., Thursdays, at the church, 5513 McCall Rd., Rincon, first in a large-group teaching time, then break into small groups with a coach. The program is self-paced and designed to “extend a compassionate hand and real help to those struggling with addition,” according to its brochure.

For more information about “His Steps,” call Marshall at 443-966-5695, or Gianeskis at 912-659-3657.