Frank Smith, of Carthage, is 75 years old, and last year, he resigned from his role as Pastor at Rocky Comfort Church of Christ.

He will celebrate 13 years of sobriety on July 6, 2023.

Smith has battled alcohol addiction over the years, which was featured in a June 2021 Cassville Democrat series with Celebrate Recovery.

“I always say I never struggled with alcohol,” he said. “I enjoyed alcohol and indulged in it. I never struggled until I tried to get sober.”

In 1968, Smith was drafted into the military where he served for 21 years and four months.

“I was a military medic, firefighter and police officer,” he said.

In 1975, his wife became a Christian and eventually convinced Smith to attend church with her.

“It was the first time in my life that I knew I was told the truth,” he said. “I was saved that night in 1976. About a yearand-a-half later, I felt that God was calling me to ministry.”

For about 10 years, Smith turned his life over to God to stay sober, but he never fully turned over his will.

“I always thought if I had a drink, I would be able to control it,” Smith said. “We moved back to Missouri, and I became reacquainted with old friends and drinking buddies.

“A thousand drinks are never enough — but one drink is too much. I was back where I was 10 years before.”

Smith continued to spiral until he hit his lowest point and started Celebrate Recovery.

Last July, he resigned from his position in the church.

“They didn’t want me to leave, but we were realizing we didn’t have a new generation — we only had 6 people under the age of 65,” he said. “An old man isn’t going to draw in young people.

“We sold our farm and moved to Carthage.”

Over the past two years, Smith has undergone prostate cancer surgery, basil cell cancer surgery, and a repaired hernia.

“We do our best and God will do the rest,” he said. “We have so many questions in our lives no matter how closely you walk with God. He doesn’t always tell me what I want, but he tells me what I need to know.”

Smith said he is waiting to find his purpose in his new home. He has reached out to multiple avenues to volunteer his hands but hasn’t heard anything back yet.

“My wife was on her phone and came to me and said, ‘This is for you,’” he said. “I read it and it said, ‘God isn’t ignoring you, he is preparing you.’” Smith said to stay sober, people need Jesus and support.

“People still have rough days,” he said. “You learn to leave what is behind you behind.

“I still look back on those 12 steps every day, and the principles of Celebrate Recovery and all of those who went through it with me and supported me. They are my lifelong friends, my brothers and sisters.”

Meeting schedule

To add or update any meetings, people may call Mark Barton at 417-7665449.

Tuesday

• Celebrate Recovery Cassville at the First Baptist Church in the loft. Meal is served at 5:45 p.m. and large group is at 6:30 p.m., childcare is provided nursery to 6th grade. People may contact Mark Barton at 417-7665449.

Wednesday

• Shell Knob – Celebrate Recovery at the Viola Victory Church at 29604 State Hwy., 39. Meal starts at 5 p.m., meeting starts at 5:45 p.m. Childcare is provided For more information call Jessica at 417-239-9001.

• Seligman Celebrate Recovery at Mozark Fellowship at 28277 Frisco Street in Seligman. Meal is at 6 p.m. and meeting starts at 70 p.m. For more information call Loni at 417-827-2737.

• AA meeting, noon to 1 p.m. at 1308 Harold Street in Cassville.

Thursday

• Monett Celebrate Recovery 6-9 p.m. at the New Site Baptist Church at 1925 Farm Road 1060 in Monett. Meal at 6 p.m. Childcare and nursery up to 5th grade. The Landing for 6th to 12th grade. For more information, people can reach Allan at 417461-6802.

• AA meeting, 8-9 p.m. at 1308 Harold Street in Cassville.

Friday

• NA meetings from 6-7 p.m. at 303 East 11th Street in Cassville. For more information people can call Sarah at 417-8467045.

Saturday

• SMART meetings from 10-11 a.m. at 208 West 8th Street in Cassville. Alliance counseling. For more information at people may call Loni 417-827-2737.

Sunday

• NA meetings from 6-7 p.m. at 303 East 11th Street in Cassville. For more information people can call Mike at 417-8467866.