Norfolk VA

I was born February 18,1953 in Buffalo, New York. I started drinking at the age 13 and grew up in the projects surrounded by many gangs. I joined the Navy at age 17 and continued drinking & drugging. I was in VA hospital 10 times and had methadone maintenance for 4years in 1984 after overdosing on my job. I went to a drug treatment center in a different state and I accepted Christ and did a 90 & 90 and came back to Buffalo and went back to work at Ford Motor Company. I stayed sober and attended church in 2005 then I got injured at work. After a 12 hour back surgery I was on every pain killer known to man. I endured 12 years of meds through prayer.  While visiting my brother in law the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said "Trust me”. I stopped taking my pain meds and never went back to pain management. Praise GOD

Myrna Pennant, a transplanted Brooklynite, who still claims her New York roots even after living in Hampton Roads for 21 years.   She has been an Ordained Minister since 2016 with her home church being Burning Bush Worship Center under the tutelage of Rev. Willie R. McNair.   Her advocacy is for the families affected by the addiction epidemic, as she and her children were affected when she was married to her former husband.   He came home from the Vietnam War and was addicted to several drugs including heroin which eventually led to his death.  There were places set up for him, but none that spoke to the families and what they were going through.  She wants to contribute in some way to help families that are struggling with an addicted family member or members. An avid reader, Ms. Pennant has written several plays that are in the Library of Congress and one book that is still listed on Amazon.  The JOY of the LORD is her strength.

I am married and have been with my wife for 30 years. I have 4 children; 2 sons and 2 Daughters that range in ages 30 to 47 years old One of my sons is deceased and the oldest estranged because he was a casualty of my addictive lifestyle. I began using every drug imaginable at the age of 13 and for the next 31 years. Through High School, College and my Career in Management I thought I was in control and functioning. Not realizing that drugs impacted every area of my life in a negative way. My journey carried me through two 12 Step Programs. It wasn’t until I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior I was able to live. I began Pastoring in 2012 and continue to this day. I am also Program Director for the Metamorphosis Reentry Program, a Transformational program for ex-offenders. We are excited to launch Recovery Church as part of our program in Norfolk Va.