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LEWISTOWN -- New Life Church is calling on the public to show their support for students of Mifflin County High School.
The congregation launched a prayer walk after learning that at least one student was sickened from using a vaping device that was found to be laced with opioids fentanyl and heroin.
The source of the devices is currently under police investigation.
Youth Pastor Travis Habbershon said the congregation is encouraging the public to walk around Mifflin County high school and junior high at any time and say a prayer for students and staff to participate.
"We see darkness increasing and kids turning to drugs," Habbershon said. "We want to not be just complaining about the problem, we want to help people turn to Jesus with these walks."
Habbershon has served as youth pastor for New Life Church for eight years and is trying to encourage the youth to reach out and help one another.
"We have a youth group every Wednesday," Habbershon said. "And we encourage the youth that are coming to encourage their friends who are struggling with vape addiction and other kinds of addiction to come to Jesus."
Habbershon says he is trying to grow the prayer walks to other congregations, regardless of denomination to bring people closer to Jesus Christ.
"We really believe in the power of prayer," Habbershon said. "We encourage the community to pray with us."
"Kids are leaning toward drugs and alcohol to fill an empty void inside of them that only Jesus can truly fill," Habbershon continued. "Prayers can bring people together both young and old closer to Jesus."
For more information on how to join the youth group at New Life Church, email office@newlife101.org.
Clear Concepts Counseling is working with Mifflin County High School to assist students struggling with addiction.